Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region VII – Central Visayas
DIVISION OF CITY SCHOOLS
CITY OF NAGA, CEBU
PLACIDO L. SEÑOR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Langtad, City of Naga, Cebu

SCIENCE 8
HIERARCHICAL TAXONOMIC SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION

Name: _________________________________________ Section: ________________ Date: ________________

Organisms are classified according to their physical characteristics from the highest in the taxonomic hierarchy
which is the Domain. to the lowest in the taxonomic hierarchy, the Species.

Scientists group organisms into meaningful classifications. Large groups include many organisms with few
similarities. Small groups include few organisms having more similarities. The classifications are categorized into the
following hierarchy: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Figure 1 below shows an
inverted pyramid indicating the hierarchy in descending order.

Domain is the largest category into which organisms are classified. Back then, organisms were only grouped into
eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Then scientists came up with the three-domain systems of classification.
Recently, prokaryotes have been divided into two domains namely: Archaea and Eubacteria. The eukaryote group
was retained and includes the protists, fungi, plants, and animals.
Kingdom is the taxonomic rank after domain. In the late century 18th century, studies of organisms resulted in
only two-kingdom classification system. But with the invention of the microscope and with more evidences gathered about
different forms of life, various scientists have proposed three to four, then five, and later six or even eight-kingdom
classification.
Here are the six-kingdom classification: Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protist, Fungi, Plant, and Animal kingdoms.
A phylum consists of different classes. Each class has several orders, and each order has different families.
A Family consists of several genera (sing. genus), with each genus being composed of the smallest group of various
species.
Species is a group of organisms that can reproduce. This means that only members of an equivalent species can
mate and produce fertile offspring. The dog, Waling-Waling (an orchid), Milkfish (local name, Bangus), rice plant, and
humans are examples of species.

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 Each organism has a common name and a scientific name. In Biology, a common name of organism, is also known
as a vernacular name, English name, trivial name, country name, popular name, or farmer's name. A name that is based
on the normal language of everyday life.
The scientific name based on the binomial system of classification is composed of two names, where the first
name as based on its genus and second name refers to the species where the organism belongs. Both names are in Latin
or latinized.
Scientific names are written either italicized (e.g., Panthera leo) or underlined (e.g., Panthera leo), with only the
first letter of the genus written in uppercase.
Did you know that scientists classify organisms? These organisms are classified to understand the relationships
between them.
Scientists classify organisms based on the three systems: artificial, natural, and phylogenetic system of
classification. Phylogenetic is relating to the evolutionary development, history and relationships among individuals or
groups of organisms.
Sir Carolus Linnaeus is the Father of Botany, the scientific study of plants, including their structure and
economic importance. He was the first to name and classify plants and other organisms.

The Three Domains of Life

1. Archaea Domain: Kingdom Archaebacteria

Organisms of this kingdom are all microscopic, meaning we cannot see them with our unaided eyes.
Archaebacteria has no nucleus and even organelles. Their genetic materials float freely in cytoplasm. They live and settle
in diverse places, some even in the most extreme environments. Methanogens, halophiles, and thermophiles are
examples of Archaebacteria. Methanogens can survive in places where there is little to no oxygen, like the digestive tracts
of animals and ponds. An important characteristic of this group is they produce methane gas. Halophiles are adapted to
very salty environments. Examples of halophiles are Haloccocus dombrowski and Halobacterium salinarium. Thermophiles
can live in places with high temperature. These include volcanic hot springs with temperatures from 80 to 110˚C.
2. Bacteria Domain: Kingdom Eubacteria

Members of Eubacteria are unicellular and microscopic. They do not have true nucleus and organelles and are
regarded as the true bacteria. Their cell walls are made of peptidoglycan, the basic unit of the cell wall in bacteria, which
confers mechanical rigidity to the cell, protects the cytoplasmic membrane and determines the cell form.
Members of Domains Eubacteria and Archaebacteria are called prokaryotes because of they lack a true nucleus
and membrane-bound organelles.
3. Domain Eukarya

Eukarya consists of organisms that have a true nucleus and structures called organelles that are surrounded with
by membranes. Organisms in the domain Eukarya keep their genetic material in a nucleus and include the plants, animals,
fungi, and protists.

KINGDOMS UNDER DOMAIN EUKARYA

Kingdom Protista
Members of Kingdom Protista come from unrelated ancestors thus, this grouping is referred to by biologists as an
artificial grouping. They can be classified into three groups: plant-like, animal-like, and fungi-like protists. The grouping
is based on their method of obtaining energy and ability to locomote.
Photoautotrophs are like plants in that they have chlorophyll, and they can produce their own food through
photosynthesis. This group includes the algae, dinoflagellates, and euglenoids. These protists are generally considered
as plant-like. Some of them have the ability to locomote (locomotory) like dinoflagellates that can cause red tide, while
others are non-locomotory like the algae.
Heterotrophs are those that obtain energy from organic matter by feeding on other organisms. These include
radiolarians, foraminiferans and amoeba. Some heterotrophic protists can also locomote by means of pseudopodia,
cilia, or flagella, hence, they are referred to as animal-like protists because of their heterotrophic and locomotory nature.

Name: ________________________________________ Section: ________________ Page 2 of 7

Examples of these include Amoeba which uses pseudopodia to locomote, Paramecium that uses cilia, and Trypanosoma
that uses flagella. A group of protists called Sporozoa has members that are non-locomotory because of the absence of
any locomotory structure. An example of this is Plasmodium, four species of which are known causative agents of malaria.
The third group of protists are the fungi-like protists that are classified based on their similarity in characteristics
to fungi in that they reproduce by forming spores and are considered as saprotrophic. Saprobes or saprotrophs are
organisms that derive energy from organic matter, hence, they are considered as heterotrophs, but they perform
extracellular digestion by releasing enzymes into dead organic matter and absorbing the products of digestion.
Examples of this are slime molds and water molds. Both are known decomposers in their habitats.
Domain Eukarya: Kingdom Fungi
Fungi are eukaryotic, non-vascular, non-motile and heterotrophic organisms. They may be unicellular or
filamentous. They reproduce by means of spores and exhibit the phenomenon of alternation of generation. Fungi lack
chlorophyll and hence cannot perform photosynthesis.
Volvariella sp. (paddy straw mushroom) and Pleurotus sajor caju (oyster mushroom) are examples of edible
fungi. Yeast is the type of fungi which exist as the single cell, reproduce asexually, and are used in food, beverages, etc.
On the other hand, molds are multicellular with hyphae that makes the vegetative form of the fungus called mycelium
and may function for the absorption of nutrients. They can reproduce sexually or asexually; used in making antibiotics,
and cheese, etc.
The fungi help in decomposing organic matter, play a big part in material biodegradation, and enable recycling of
materials in all ecosystems. The enzymes and mycotoxins can also inhibit the growth of other molds and microorganisms.
Decomposition is made faster using Trichoderma harzianum. An important mold to mention is Penicillium notatum, which
is used in making penicillin, a drug that kills disease-causing bacteria.
Domain Eukarya: Kingdom Plantae
You knew earlier that plants belong to the eukaryote group. They are multicellular and because they have
chlorophyll, they can make their own food. Plants consist of two big groups: those which do not have tissues to transport
water and food (nonvascular) and those that have such transport system (vascular). Some examples of vascular plants
include maize, mustard, rose, cycad, ferns, clubmosses, grasses, etc. Some examples of non-vascular plants include moss,
liverwort, and hornwort.
Gymnosperms
These are seed plants composed of those which bear seeds contained in cones and those inside a protective layer
of tissue. Plants with seeds borne in cones are called gymnosperms. Examples of gymnosperms are the conifers (e.g., Pine
trees, cypresses), cycads, ginkgoes, and gnetophytes.
Angiosperms
They are also called flowering plants since flowers, as well as fruits, are involved in their reproduction and
development.
Eukarya Domain: Kingdom Animalia
Animals are divided in two major groups, the invertebrates and vertebrates. Invertebrates are those that do not
possess a vertebral column or backbone while Vertebrates are that where vertebral column or backbone is present.
Invertebrates: Sponges
The simplest animals belong to Phylum Porifera. They live in shallow and deep oceans. The young of sponges are
motile, while adults are attached to solid materials like rocks. The body of a hard sponge is supported by a “skeleton”
composed of spicules, that are made of glasslike silica or calcium carbonate. A network of protein fibers supports soft
sponges. This is the one used for bathing and washing.
Invertebrates: Cnidarians
Members of Phylum Cnidaria consist of animals whose tentacles contain stinging cells called nematocysts. These
poison-filled structures are used for defending themselves and for capturing their prey and food. Once released, this
poison can be painful to their enemies. Examples of these are jellyfish or sea jellies, corals, and sea anemones. Corals
forms colonies of various colors and secrete a hard skeleton. These accumulate to form coral reefs which are of great
importance as they are one of the most worlds most productive ecosystem.
Name: ________________________________________ Section: ________________ Page 3 of 7
Invertebrates: Flatworms
The belong to Phylum Platyhelminthes (in Greek platys means flat, helmins means worm). As their names
suggest, they are flat and ribbonlike organisms. Flatworms are found in freshwater, in wet places and marine waters. They
include the free-living or nonparasitic worms, the parasitic flukes, and the tapeworms group. Planaria is an example of a
free-living flatworms. Tapeworms are also parasitic flatworms like flukes with incomplete digestive system.

Invertebrates: Roundworms

These are members of Phylum Nematoda. Compared to flatworms, roundworms, also known as nematodes, have
long, cylindrical, and slender bodies. A roundworm has a complete digestive system, which includes both a mouth and an
anus. This is a significant difference from the incomplete digestive system of flatworms. The roundworm digestive system
also includes a large digestive organ known as the gut. Digestive enzymes that start to break down food are produced
here. There is no stomach, but there is an intestine which produces enzymes that help absorb nutrients. The last portion
of the intestine forms a rectum, which expels waste through the anus. Example of roundworms. Ascaris lumbricoides
(also called human roundworm), which is the most common roundworm infection, and affects as many as one billion
people worldwide.
Invertebrates: Segmented Worms

The third group of worms among the animal phyla belongs to Phylum Annelida, also called annelids. These worms
are characterized by a segmented or repeated body parts which enable them to move easily with flexibility. Segmented
worms include the common earthworm and leeches. They have a digestive system, nervous system, and circulatory
system.
Invertebrates: Mollusks

These soft-bodied invertebrates are mostly covered with shells. They have complex respiratory, reproductive,
circulatory, digestive, and excretory systems functioning together for their survival. Mollusks consists of three classes:
The Gastropods, Bivalves and Cephalopods. Gastropods, also called univalves and has only one shell. They are mostly
marine and freshwater and terrestrial members. Bivalves are mollusks consists of two shells attached to each other.
Some bivalves are attached to rocks while others remain in the sand or mud. The cephalopod group includes the squid
and cuttlefish with internal skeleton. The chambered nautilus has external skeleton while the octopus is shell-less.
Invertebrates: Echinoderms

Diverse marine invertebrates that include sea urchins, sand dollars, star fish, sea cucumbers and brittle stars. They
are recognizable by their pentameric radial symmetry. They have a star-like appearance and are spherical or elongated.
They are exclusively marine animals and organisms are spiny-skinned. They also exhibit organ level of organization.
Examples of an echinoderm include a starfish, a sand dollar, a brittle star, a sea urchin, and a sea cucumber.
Invertebrates: Arthropods
Phylum Arthropoda is considered the most successful of all animal phyla as they are present in almost all types
of habitats. Arthropods walk or crawl, some can fly, while others swim in salty and freshwaters. They have segmented
body with a head, a thorax, and abdomen segments. Appendages on at least one segment. A nervous system and a hard
exoskeleton made of chitin, which gives them physical protection and resistance to drying out. Examples of arthropods
are Chelicerata: horseshoe crabs, spiders, scorpions, sea spiders and mites. Myriapoda: millipedes, centipedes,
pauropods and symphylans (known as glasshouse symphylans or garden centipedes) Crustacea: brine shrimp, barnacles,
lobsters, crabs, shrimp and remipedes.
Vertebrates: Chordates
Animals that belong to Phylum Chordata have four characteristics that are present in any stages in their life cycle.
These are the notochord, the dorsal hollow nerve cord, gill slits, and a post-anal tail. Notochord serves as a source of
midline signals that pattern surrounding tissues and as a major skeletal element of the developing embryo.

Name: ________________________________________ Section: ________________ Page 4 of 7

a. Fishes
Fishes can be classified into either Class Osteichthyes or Class Chondrichthyes. Include Chondrichthyes is a
class of jawed fishes having a cartilaginous skeleton. The class includes a diverse group of fishes including sharks, rays,
skates, and chimaeras. They are mostly marine fishes. The other group of fishes are bony fishes, which are included in the
class Osteichthyes. These are cold-blooded animals with backbone and are found in either saltwater or freshwater. Most
possess scales for protection, a paired fin for movement and gills for gas exchange. Fishes may lay eggs to reproduce or
give birth to live young.

b. Amphibians
Class Amphibia refers to cold-blooded animals that live part in water and part on land, from which amphibians
got their name. Most lay small, shell-less eggs surrounded by jellylike substance in wet places or in water. These hatch
into larvae with gills and tails. The species in this group include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. All can breathe and
absorb water through their very thin skin. Amphibians also have special skin glands that produce useful proteins.

c. Reptiles
Class Reptilia include cold-blooded animals that exhibit more adaptations for living on land. They lay eggs with
shells to protect them from drying up. They even have smooth or rough scales that cover their body to minimize loss of
water. Some reptiles have smooth scales like lizards and snakes, while others have rough scales like crocodiles and
alligators. Alligators live in freshwater and are only found in North and South America. They include crocodiles, snakes,
lizards, turtles, and tor- toises.

d. Birds
Birds belong to Class Aves, and most are adapted to fly. Their adaptation for flight includes wings and feathers,
large flight muscles attached to their breastbone, and reduced bone weight. Some birds are warm-blooded, while others
are cold-blooded. Flightless birds are birds which cannot fly. They rely on their ability to run or swim and have evolved
from their flying ancestors. These are Penguin, Ostrich, Kiwi, Kakapo and Cassowary.

e. Mammals
Class Mammalia differ from other animals because they have mammary glands that produce milk to nourish
their young and most have hair or fur. They inhale air, have four-chambered hearts and are warm-blooded. Most of them
also give birth to live young and care for them (Campo et al. 2013, 228-264).

Name: ________________________________________ Section: ________________ Page 5 of 7

EXERCISE NO. 1. TRUE OR FALSE. On the blank before each number, write a () check mark if the statement is TRUE or
CORRECT and () x mark if the statement is FALSE or INCORRECT.

_______ 1. Scientists group organisms into meaningful classifications.

_______ 2. There are seven (7) levels of classification in the taxonomic hierarchy.
_______ 3. Domain is the largest category into which organisms are classified.
_______ 4. A scientific name of organism is also known as vernacular name.
_______ 5. Sir Carolus Linnaeus is the Father of Botany.
_______ 6. Organisms in Kingdom Archaebacteria are all macroscopic.
_______ 7. Thermophiles can live in places with hot temperature.
_______ 8. Members of Kingdom Eubacteria are multicellular and microscopic.
_______ 9. Photoautotrophs belong to Kingdom Protista.
_______ 10. An example of a sporozoan is Paramecium.
_______ 11. Penicillium notatum is an important mold that is used in making penicillin.
_______ 12. Gymnosperms are flowering plants.
_______ 13. Jelly fish is a member of Phylum Cnidaria.
_______ 14. Phylum Arthropoda is considered the most successful of all animal phyla.
_______ 15. Reptiles lay eggs with shells to protect them from drying up.

EXERCISE NO. 2. IDENTIFICATION. Choose from the word or words found in the box the answer to what are being
described in the statements below. Write your answer on the spaces provided before each number.

Reptiles Birds Gymnosperms Domain Vernacular name

Scientific name Species Genus Kingdom Archaebacteria
Phylogenetic Taxonomy Sir Carolus Linnaeus Phylum Family
Photoautotrophs Heterotrophs Penicillin Ananas comosus Class Mammalia
Carnivora Canidae Chondrichthyes Moringa oliefera Invertebrates
Vertebrates Angiosperms Flatworms Echinoderms Notochord
Felis Canis Aves Eukarya Sporozoans

_____________________ 1. These are vertebrates that have special skin glands that produce useful proteins.
_____________________ 2. A level of classification that consists of different classes.
_____________________ 3. He is the Father of Botany.
_____________________ 4. In Biology, a common name of organisms is also known as __________.
_____________________ 5. It is a group of organisms that can reproduce.
_____________________ 6. It refers in relating to the evolutionary development, history and relationships among
individuals or group of organisms.
_____________________ 7. A level of classification composed of the smallest group of various species.
_____________________ 8. The domain where Kingdom Archaebacteria belongs.
_____________________ 9. Members of Kingdom Protista that obtain energy from organic matter by feeding on other
organisms.
_____________________ 10. A drug that kills disease-causing bacteria.
_____________________ 11. An invertebrate that lives in shallow and deep oceans and considered as the simplest
animal of Phylum Porifera.
_____________________ 12. A group in Kingdom Animalia that do not possess a vertebral column or backbone.
_____________________ 13. Starfish, sea urchin and sea cucumber are examples of this invertebrate.
_____________________ 14. These invertebrates are flat and ribbon-like organisms.

Name: ________________________________________ Section: ________________ Page 6 of 7

_____________________ 15. A characteristic in Phylum Chordata which serves as a source of midline signals that pattern
surrounding tissues and as a major skeletal element of the developing embryo.
_____________________ 16. A class in Phylum Chordata that have mammary glands that produce milk to nourish their
young and most have hair or fur.
_____________________ 17. The Genus name of the domesticated cat.
_____________________ 18. The scientific name of a Pineapple.
_____________________ 19. The order where the dog is classified.
_____________________ 20. A class of jawed fishes having a cartilaginous skeleton.

EXERCISE NO. 3 ENUMERATION. Provide what is asked by the given statement or questions and write your answers on
the spaces provided.

1. What are the eight (8) levels of classification in the taxonomic hierarchy?
a. __________________________________ e. __________________________________
b. __________________________________ f. __________________________________
c. __________________________________ g. __________________________________
d. __________________________________ h. __________________________________

2. Give the three (3) Domains of Life.

a. __________________________________ c. __________________________________
b. __________________________________

3. What are the six (6) Kingdom Classification in the taxonomic hierarchy?
a. __________________________________ d. __________________________________
b. __________________________________ e. __________________________________
c. __________________________________ f. __________________________________

4. What are the two (2) big groups of plants?

a. __________________________________ b. __________________________________

5. What are the two (2) major groups in Kingdom Animalia?

a. __________________________________ b. __________________________________

6. Enumerate the eight (8) classification of Invertebrates.

a. __________________________________ e. __________________________________
b. __________________________________ f. __________________________________
c. __________________________________ g. __________________________________
d. __________________________________ h. __________________________________

7. What are the four (4) characteristics that are present in any stages of the life cycle of animals that belongs to Phylum
Chordata?
a. __________________________________ c. __________________________________
b. __________________________________ d. __________________________________

8. What are the five (5) classifications in Phylum Chordata or vertebrates?

a. __________________________________ d. __________________________________
b. __________________________________ e. __________________________________
c. __________________________________

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