CHARACTERISTICS & CLASSIFICATION OF LIVING THINGS

A living thing has certain characteristics: MRS GREN

• M: Movement- It is the ability by which an organism or a part of it
changes its place or position.
• R: Respiration- It is the process in which nutrients like glucose are
broken down inside the cells to provide energy for use
by the body.
• S: Sensitivity- It is the ability of organisms to detect and react to
changes in the internal or external environment.
• G: Growth- It is process by which a living organism increases in size by
increasing its cell mass and by adding new cells.
• R: Reproduction- It is the ability by which living organisms can produce
new organisms of the same species to which they
belong.
• E: Excretion- It is the method by which living organisms can expel
waste products accumulated within their body by the
various internal chemical reactions.
• N: Nutrition- It is the process by which organisms can uptake materials
from the environment for their growth and development.

Species: A species is the smallest group under which living organisms

can be classified. They can reproduce with each other and produce
offspring which are also able to reproduce ( or are fertile). Eg. Equus
caballus (horse)

Genus: They are the classification group lying between family and
species containing living organisms belonging to species which are
related to one another. Eg. Genus Rosa containing many species of
roses.
 Binomial Nomenclature: It is an internationally recognized system of
naming a living organism using a scientific name which comprises of
the genus and the species.

• “Bi” means two & “Nomial” means to do with names, thus a scientific
name has two parts.
• This system was designed by Carolus Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist and
zoologist.
• The scientific names are in Latin as it is primarily a “dead” language
and no further changes will happen in the future. Also, it is not being
used by any country or people so nobody will have any objection in
using it.

How to Write the Scientific Name?

It is a two-name system: The genus is written first starting with a

capital letter. Then the species of the organism is written in
small letters. During printing, italics are usually used. While
writing, they may be underlined. Eg. Homo sapiens
Dichotomous Key
Dichotomous- means dividing or branching into two.
It is a tool which helps us to identify unknown organisms. It presents us with
a series of questions based on two contrasting features which have two
definite outcomes. The questions start off with general characteristics such
as physical features (pairs of legs,
1 jointed limbs.......................................2
colour, body structure etc.) and then
becomes more specific. no jointed limbs..................................earthworm

2 more than 5 pairs of jointed limbs......centipede

5 or fewer pairs of jointed limbs.........3

3 first pair of limbs form large claws ......crab

no large claws......................................4

4 3 pairs of limbs ...................................locust

4 pairs of limbs ...................................spider

Classification & Evolution
Earlier the scientists studied the morphology (outward appearance of an
organism) & the anatomy (internal body structure) for the purpose of
classification.
Major evidences:
• All the vertebrates have a vertebral column, a skull protecting the
brain.
• The mammals usually have a similar front limbs: Pentadactyl pattern (
One upper limb bone- humerus – joined to two middle limb bones-
radius & ulna which finally end in five digits.) eg. Humans, whale,bats
etc.

• DNA sequencing has revolutionised classification: Cells of organisms

have chromosomes which are made of genes which in turn are made
up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). This DNA has specific information
(sequence of bases) for manufacture of amino acids which are
precursors of protein- the building blocks of the body.

Each species has a specific

number of chromosomes and
unique sequence of bases in
their DNA. This is the basis for
the differences between the
various species.
Thus genetic study is very
helpful in classification of
species which are
morphologically and anatomically similar. Eg. Humans, apes and
monkeys.
Features Of Organisms & The Kingdoms

Cells of living organisms have certain common features:

• Cell Membrane: The protective layer made of lipid which forms
the boundary of the cell.
• Cytoplasm: It is the cellular material inside the cell composed of
liquid like cytosol and other cell structures like ribosome
• DNA: It is the genetic material usually present inside the nucleus
of a cell.
• Ribosomes: It is a type of cell organelle responsible for protein
synthesis.
• Enzymes associated with respiration (may be inside
mitochondria)
Living Organisms are classified into KINGDOMS which are the largest group
into which they can be classified.
• Viruses are not included in any kingdom as they do not possess a cell
membrane, cytoplasm or ribosomes. They are only made up of a
genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. They do
not feed, grow, excrete or respire. They multiply but only at the
expense of their host cells.
• Classification is ever evolving-

1. Initially Protista
included all single
celled organisms
including bacteria,
protozoa as well
as algae.
2. Then bacteria
were placed into a
separate kingdom:
Monera
3. Fungi which
were originally
thought to be plants were given a separate kingdom: Fungi
4. Finally Bacteria were again divided into 2 kingdoms: Monera & Archaea.
 Carl Woese was a Microbiologist who suggested the “Six Kingdom”
Classification. But he was not satisfied as this classification did not
clearly show the similarities and differences.
 He introduced a new taxon (group of organisms) called: DOMAIN
which is higher than kingdom & proposed the “Three Domain”
Classification in 1990.
Animal Kingdom
• They are multicellular.
• Their cells have a nucleus but no cell wall or chloroplasts.
• They feed on organic substances produced by other organisms.

Two common types:

Invertebrates Invertebrates are animals without
vertebral column or back bone.
(Not a natural group)

Vertebrates are animals with

vertebral column or backbone.
 Arthropods
The term arthropod means “Jointed limbs” so all organisms in
this group have this.
It is the largest group in the animal kingdom.
Features:
1. Several pairs of jointed legs.
2. Body divided into segments (sections).
3. They all have a hard external skeleton (exoskeleton)
known as cuticle covering their body. This helps them to
live on dry land.

ARHTROPODA

CRUSTACEA INSECTS ARACHNIDA MYRIAPODA

CRUSTACEA- Eg- Crabs, lobsters (marine), wood louse (land dwelling)

• They are arthropods with more than four
pairs of jointed legs.
• They have two pairs of antennae.
• Mostly aquatic.
• They have a pair of compound eyes.(eyes
with many lenses)
• Their body is divided into: cephalothorax
( head and thorax are fused) and
abdomen
INSECTS Eg. Housefly, butterfly, mosquito, wasps etc.
• They have segmented bodies divided
into head, thorax and abdomen.
• They have three pairs of jointed legs.
• They have compound eyes.
• They usually have two pairs of
wings.
• They have a single pair of antennae.
• They breathe through tubes called
tracheae.
{Insects group is one of the most successful group of living organisms due to
a variety of adaptations: The presence of an effective exoskeleton which
prevents the loss of water from their body and thus allows them to survive in
very hot and dry conditions is a major factor. The presence of wings, their
small size and their high reproductive rate also aids them in this.}
ARACHNIDA Eg. Spider, scorpions, mites, etc.
• They have four pairs of jointed legs.
• Generally land dwelling with no wings.
• Their body is divided into two regions: cephalothorax and abdomen.
• They have two modified structures- 1. Chelicera (in pairs)- an
appendage in front of the mouth which may be claw or pincer like
which helps in food capture. It may also have poison glands at its base
(eg. Spiders) for paralyzing its prey. 2. Pedipalp which may help in food
capture or in reproduction.
• They do not have antennae.
• They have simple eyes.

Chelicera
Myriapoda Eg. Millipede and centipedes
• They have a head with a segmented body without any division.
• They have a pair of jointed legs on every segment.
• They have a pair of antennae
• They have simple eyes.
• Millipedes are herbivores feeding only on plants while centipedes are
carnivores feeding on other animals.

Vertebrates
They are animals with a vertebral column or backbone .It protects the spinal
cord which forms the major pathway of the nervous system in vertebrates.
The front end of the spinal cord is expanded to form the brain which is
protected by a bony skull.
Main Vertebrate Groups:

Vertebrates

Fishes Amphibia Reptiles BIRDS Mammals

 Body Temperature: Fish, amphibia & reptiles are known as “Cold
Blooded” animals as their body temperature is variable and depends
on the temperature of the environment. Birds and mammals are “
Warm blooded” as their body temperature remains almost constant
due to internal body mechanisms and does not depend on the
surroundings. Thus a lizard or a snake’s movement may become slow
if the surrounding temperature falls but birds and mammals are not
affected. The term “Cold Blooded” is not very accurate as these
animals do not have cold blood actually but their body temperature
varies with the surrounding –so in hot climates, the body temperature
of these animals may become higher than the warm blooded
animals!!!

Fishes Eg. Tuna, mackerel

• They are cold blooded vertebrates which usually live in water
permanently (exception: Mudskipper fish which can live on land for
extended lengths.)
• They have streamlined, smooth body with fins which help them in
movement through the water.
• They have scales on their body.
• They have gills, a specialised respiratory organ for taking in oxygen
from the water. A bony plate called the operculum protects the gills.
• Their eggs do not have shells and are laid in water.
Amphibians Eg. Frog, toad, salamander
• They are cold blooded animals with four limbs and smooth skin
without scales.
• The word “Amphibian” means “To live a double life”- It indicates the
fact that these organisms live a part of their life on land and a part on
land. The adults usually
live on land but return
to water for breeding.
• The larvae (immature
form) of the organisms
usually known as
tadpoles live in water
and finally undergo
metamorphosis (which
is a striking change in their physical body and characters) as they grow
into adults.
• The larvae have gills for breathing while the adults develop the
breathing organ: Lungs.
They also have moist skin which is richly supplied with capillaries that
allows easy exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with water or air.
This is known as Cutaneous Respiration.
• Fertilization is external – the female lays eggs in water and the male
releases sperms on it.
REPTILES Eg. Snake, lizards, crocodile
• They are land-living cold-blooded animals with dry and scaly skin. This
helps them in preventing water loss so they can live in dry regions.
• They lay eggs with soft, leathery shells which is water resistant.
• Fertilization takes place inside the body but development is external as
the females lay eggs.
• They have lungs for breathing.
• The reptiles with the exception of snakes have four limbs each with
five toes.
BIRDS eg. Eagle,hawk,pigeon
• Birds are warm blooded vertebrates with a vertebral column
which is flexible at the neck and the rest of it is fused to form a
rigid structure.
• Their body is covered with feathers and most of them can fly
(exception: ostrich, penguin). The feathers are of various types:
DOWN feathers which are near the skin and provide insulation,
CONTOUR Feathers which give the bird its shape and colour and
QUILL feathers on the wings which help in flight.
• Their front two limbs are modified to form wings. The hind limbs
which form the feet have four toes with claws which help the
bird to perch, catch their food or scratch for seeds.
• They may have scales on their feet.
• Their mouth is modified to form a beak and they do not have
teeth.
• The fertilization in birds is internal but development is external
as they lay eggs covered with hard shells.
Mammals Eg. Lions, humans, monkeys
• They are warm blooded vertebrates with bodies covered with hair.
• They have four limbs.
• They have external ears or pinnae.
• They have a diaphragm which is an accessory organ which helps in
breathing.
• They have different kinds of teeth (incisors, canines, molars etc.) and a
pinna (a projecting part on the ear)
• The females have mammary glands which are specialized glands that
produce milk for feeding their young ones.
• The females have specialized organs where the offspring develop after
fertilization (which is internal) – the uterus: the hollow organ where
the off spring grows. This is connected internally to the mother’s body
by – the placenta: an organ which provides nutrients for the growth of
the young ones. These nutrients are obtained directly from the
mother’s body.
• They give birth to young ones and do not lay eggs. These new born are
usually unable to take care of themselves and are dependent on their
parents especially for food.
Plant Kingdom
• Plants are multicellular.
• The plant cells have a distinct cell wall surrounding the cell which is
made up of cellulose.
• The plant cells in leaves and some stems have Chloroplasts which
contain the green pigment called chlorophyll – which is responsible for
the process of photosynthesis (the way by which plants prepare food).
• They are non-motile.

Ferns (Non-Flowering Plant Type)

• Ferns are plants with roots, stem and leaves known as fronds.
• They DO NOT produce flowers and seeds.
• The stem remains usually below the soil and may grow horizontally
and is known as rhizome.
• They reproduce by spores which are found attached to the under
surface of their leaves enclosed within structures known as sporangia
(singular: sporangium)
Flowering Plants
• They are plants with roots, stem and leaves.
• They reproduce with the help of flowers and seeds.
• The seeds are produced in a structure known as the ovary within the
flower.
They are divided into two main groups according to their seed structure:
{Cotyledons are the “seed leaves” which contain stored food for the growing
new plant}
Monocotyledonous Plants Dicotyledonous Plants ( Dicots)
(Monocots) Eg. Rose, magnolia.
Eg. Grasses, wheat, maize
1. They have a single cotyledon in They have two cotyledons in their
their seeds. seeds.

2. They have roots growing out They have a main root growing out
directly from the stem. from the stem. Branching roots arise
from the main root.
3. They usually have long, narrow They have broad leaves with a
leaves with parallel venation. network of veins.
4. The parts of a flower such as The parts of a flower are in multiples
petals are in multiples of of four or five.
three.
5. The vascular bundles (xylem, The vascular bundles are arranged in
phloem) are arranged ring form.
randomly.
Fungi Kingdom
• They are eukaryotic organisms which may be single celled (yeast) or
multicellular (mushroom).
• The multicellular fungi have a thread like body where cells are
arranged in rows resembling branches of trees. Each individual branch
is known as hypha.
• They have cell walls but is not made of cellulose. They are composed of
chitin and other protein components.
• They do not have chlorophyll.
• They derive their nutrition from other organisms by: 1. By feeding on
dead plants and animals and waste products (Saprophytes)- Here they
act as Decomposers and help return the nutrients back to the soil
where it can be utilized by other organisms again.
2. By acting as parasites (an organism which lives on another organism
and gets its food from it and grows at the expense of the other
organism.) eg. Fungi causing ringworm in humans, diseases in plants.
3. By symbiosis (a relationship where two organisms usually of
different species live together and are mutually beneficial for one
another.) eg. Mycorrhiza.
• They reproduce by producing spores (which are small group of cells
with a tough covering) which are dispersed by wind or animals.
 Protoctist Kingdom (Most algae, protozoa etc.)
• They are unicellular but some may be multicellular like kelp (a sea
weed). They are basically organisms which cannot be classified into any
specific kingdom-plant, animal or fungi.
• Their cells have a nucleus and may or may not have chloroplast:
Euglena and Chlamydomonas- have chloroplasts and perform
photosynthesis and are “Plant like”
Amoeba and Paramecium- absorb and digest solid food and are
“animal like”.
Prokaryote Kingdom ( Monera) eg. Bacteria
• They are prokaryotic organisms WITHOUT any nucleus. The
genetic material may be a circular DNA floating free in the
cytoplasm.
• They lack most cell organelles like mitochondria. Only small
ribosomes are present.
• The cells may be spherical, rod shaped, arranged in chains etc.
• They have cell walls but they are not made of cellulose.
• They may have small pieces of DNA called plasmids inside their
cells which may be responsible for different functions like
antibiotic resistance, nitrogen fixation etc.
• They may have hair like projections called flagella which help
them in locomotion.
 Viruses
• They are not cells but
just pieces of genetic
material (DNA or RNA)
surrounded by a
protein coat. They do
not have any cell
components or
organelles like
cytoplasm, ribosomes
etc. They are very small
and can be seen
through a microscope only.
• They do not belong to any kingdom as they do not exhibit any
features of living organisms like movement, respiration etc.
• Viruses multiply but only when they enter the host cells of other
organisms. They grow at the expense of the host cells and
usually destroy the cells and repeat the cycle.