What is classification? Classification is a system where species are grouped in similar groups based on function, traits, and characteristics. We use classification in our everyday lives. We use it in work, at home, and in school. Classification has developed throughout history. Classification was first used by Aristotle and has developed into the system that we use today.

Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who divided organisms into plants and animals. He also divided animals into blood and bloodless. Aristotle divided animals according to how they move. The three groups are walking, flying, and swimming. Examples of this are a dog for walking, an eagle for flying and a fish for swimming. Aristotle’s system was used into the 1600s. Aristotle’s system didn’t work because if an animal fit into more than two of the groups then there isn’t a way to classify those animals.

Carolus Linnaeus was a Swedish scientist that classified plants and animals according to similarities in form. Also, he divided living things into one of two kingdoms. The two kingdoms that Linnaeus created were the plant (plantae) and animal (aminalia) kingdoms. Linnaeus then divided the kingdoms into smaller groups called genera and divided the genus into smaller groups called species. Linnaeus’s classification method was used in the 18th century. Carolus Linnaeus’s system worked because the animals were categorized better then Aristotle’s.

Classification has developed a lot throughout history. Aristotle’s method of classification inspired Carolus Linnaeus’s method. Together, Aristotle’s method of classification and Carouls Linnaeus’s method have developed into the method we use today. We use the kingdoms but we have more of them. Without them, we would not have the method that we use today.