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💡 A library with no shelves
Imagine a library where thousands of books lie scattered on the floor. Finding one would be hopeless. Classification gives life’s millions of species their ‘shelves’.
Activity 12.2 — Let us read a case study
In this Activity, we will read a case study of the Pakke Tiger Reserve to see why classifying species helps us understand biodiversity.
Activity 12.2 - Case Study
Step 1
Read the Pakke Tiger Reserve case
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Step 2
Note its four hornbill species
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Step 3
Discuss how to track many species
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Step 4
Discuss what distinguishes the hornbills
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Classification organises vast diversity
- Read the case study of the Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, which records nearly 300 bird species.
- Note that Pakke supports four hornbill species — Rufous-necked, Oriental Pied, Great and Wreathed (Fig. 12.3).
- Discuss how scientists keep track of so many species.
- Discuss what features distinguish the similar-looking hornbills, and what would happen if the large old nesting trees disappeared.
What we observe
Grouping organisms by similarities and differences —
biological classification
— organises information and helps us study vast diversity systematically.
What is biological classification and why do we need it?
Biological Classification
The scientific grouping of living organisms by their similarities and differences. Organises millions of species
- Biological classification is the scientific system of grouping living organisms by their similarities and/or differences.
- The Earth has millions of organisms; classifying them systematically helps us understand them better.
- It organises information, shows relationships among organisms and lets us study life in a systematic manner.
How does biological classification help us?
Why We Classify
Makes the study of life systematic Shows how organisms are related Helps name newly found organisms Supports conservation of threatened species
- It makes the study of living organisms organised and systematic , and helps us see similarities and differences.
- It shows how organisms are related and interact, and helps in identifying and naming newly discovered organisms.
- It supports biodiversity conservation by flagging organisms under threat of extinction, and lets scientists worldwide discuss organisms using a common system.
✅ Test Yourself
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What is biological classification?
Show answer
The scientific system of grouping living organisms on the basis of their similarities and/or differences. -
Give any two ways in which classification helps us.
Show answer
It makes the study of living organisms organised and systematic, and it helps us understand how different organisms are related to one another. It also helps in naming new organisms and in conserving threatened ones.
Important Definitions
- Biological classification — the scientific system of grouping living organisms on the basis of their similarities and/or differences.
