Classification

=Classification=

__**Classification**__ - to sort items into a group based on their characteristics.
__**Dichotomous Key**__ - a written device composed of a series of organized statements arranged into couplets; it is usually used to identify objects

http://www.uccs.edu/~rmelamed/MicroFall2002/Chapter%209/Dichotomous.html

__**Binomial Nomenclature**__ - the formal scientific two word system used to name a species. It uses the Genus and Species levels of classification.

__**Eukaryotes**__ - organisms that contain cell(s) with membrane bound organelles and nuclei

__**Prokaryotes**__ - organisms with usually one cell that don't have membranes around organelles and nuclei

__**Autotrophs**__ - organisms that use energy from the environment to make their own food and energy

__**Heterotrophs**__ - organisms that must take in autotrophs in order to obtain food and energy

**Six Kingdoms:**
The six kingdoms are used to classify living things. Ex. Birds, Snakes, Humans
 * __Animalia__** - Complex multicellular eukaryotic heterotrophs that eat other organisms in order to live

__**Plantae**__ - Complex multicellular eukaryotic autotrophs that make their food through photosynthesis Ex. Sunflower, Pine tree, Grass

__**Fungi**__ - Mainly multicellular eukaryotic heterotrophs that decompose to gain food Ex. Yeast, Mildew, Mushrooms

__**Protista**__ - Unicellular or simple multicellular eukaryotes that cannot be classified into any other kingdom Ex. Amoeba, Euglena, Algae

__**Eubacteria**__ - Unicellular prokaryotes that used to be in the kingdom Monera with prokaryotes until scientists realized that prokaryotes only live in extremely bizarre environments Ex. Bacteria in soil, water, on or in other organisms

__**Archaebacteria**__ - Unicellular prokaryotes that live in very extreme environments Ex. Bacteria in geysers at Yellowstone National Park

Then, to classify a living thing until you come up with a single animal, you can use the levels of classification
In order, from broadest to narrowest level is: =Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.= To remember this you can use the acronym K.P.C.O.F.G.S., which can stand for: =**Kids Pick Candy Over Fancy Green Salads**=