The binomial system of nomenclature was devised by Carolus Linnaeus in 1735 as a method for identifying organisms
- This initial system grouped all organisms into two kingdoms – vegetable (plants) and animal
The binomial system of nomenclature is still used by scientists today, however several revisions have occurred over the years:
- In 1866, Ernst Haeckel proposed the addition of a third kingdom – Protista
- In 1925, Edouard Chatton recognised the distinction between prokaryotes and eukaryotes and proposed a two empire system
- In 1938, Herbert Copeland incorporated prokaryotic cells into a fourth kingdom – Monera
- In 1969, Robert Whittaker proposed a five kingdom system, which included a kingdom for Fungi
- In 1977, Carl Woese identified differences in prokaryotes and in 1990 proposed the currently recognised three domain system
History of Classification
