Main discussion

Bacteria Classification

1. Carl Linnaeus developed the binomial system of classification which is still used today. This global system assigns a genus and species to all living organisms (e.g., Homo sapiens). Many scientists believe that an understanding of organism classification is vital to an understanding of the diversity of living organisms. Do you agree? Why or why not?

2. Do you come across similar types of organization in your own life or career (e.g., the Dewey Decimal System)? Explain.

3. Do you think there are bacteria in the world that have not been identified yet? Why or why not?

• If so, where might the bacteria be located?
• How might they be different, beneficial or harmful compared to known bacterial species?

4. Your turn! Imagine that you have discovered a new bacterium! You know that it is in the genus Escherichia based on staining and biochemical tests, but it is a brand new species.

• Briefly describe its environment and/or where you found it (e.g., Yankee stadium).
• Do not forget to give it a name! As the founder, you may name the species whatever you wish (e.g., Escherichia derekjeteria). Scientific names are usually descriptive; they tell us something about the organism's characteristics or the scientist who discovered them. Be sure to review the classification and naming of organisms in our digital book before choosing the second part of the name (species) for your bacterium.

Remember that the first part of the name, or genus, for your bacterium is Escherichia.