Science glossary film: Classification

The grouping of organisms into categories with similar features. Pioneered by 18th-century Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who produced a hierarchy based on physical characteristics. Modern classification uses evolutionary evidence, and divides organisms into three over-arching domains: archaea, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Within these domains are kingdoms such as animals, fungi, and plants.

Pioneered by 18th-century Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who produced a hierarchy based on physical characteristics. Modern classification uses evolutionary evidence, and divides organisms into three over-arching domains: archaea, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Within these domains are kingdoms such as animals, fungi, and plants.