Grade 11 · Biology
Taxonomy & binomial naming
Why it matters
The classification hierarchy and scientific names.
Core20m readingPrerequisite: None
What is taxonomy and binomial nomenclature?
Short answer
Taxonomy is the science of naming and classifying living things into a nested hierarchy: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Binomial nomenclature, devised by Linnaeus, gives every species a unique two-part Latin name — the genus followed by the species, such as Homo sapiens — so scientists worldwide refer to organisms unambiguously.
🔒
This feature is available in the School Plan.
Upgrade to unlock the full lesson, examples, quiz and practice.
Upgrade PlanRelated topics
Frequently asked questions
- What are the levels of classification?
- From broadest to narrowest: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.
- Why use Latin names for species?
- A single, universal two-part name avoids the confusion of common names that differ by language and region.