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The science, laws, theories and techniques of naming, describing,
and classifying organisms. Traditionally, organisms were grouped by
physical similarities of structure or origin, but in recent times
other criteria such as genetic matching have also been used.
The term taxonomy it is often used
interchangeably with the terms
scientific classification and
systematics.
The taxonomic hierarchy used in scientific classification
from most general to most specific is:
Intermediate ranks may be created by adding
prefixes, for instance:
In addition, species are often subdivided into
subspecies and other infraspecific categories (see
subspecies,
variety,
subvariety and
form). In certain circumstances prefixes beyond sub- need be
used. Some other ranks are also sometimes added. For instance,
domains or empires may be given above the level of kingdom,
tribes between the levels of family
and genus, and sections and
series between the genus and species.
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