species classification

Species classification is the process of organizing living organisms into groups based on shared characteristics and genetic relationships. It helps scientists identify, name, and understand the diversity of life. The basic unit is the species, which includes individuals that can naturally reproduce and produce fertile offspring. These species are then grouped into broader categories like genus, family, order, class, phylum, and kingdom, forming a hierarchy that reflects their evolutionary connections. This system helps us study and compare different organisms systematically, revealing how they are related and how they evolved over time.