The current system for classifying organisms is known as the Linnaean taxonomy, which was developed by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. This system organizes living things into hierarchical categories based on shared characteristics. The main levels of classification, from the broadest to the most specific, include: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.
With the advancement of molecular biology and genetics, modern classification systems have incorporated genetic data, leading to more accurate classifications that reflect evolutionary relationships. This method, often referred to as phylogenetic classification, utilizes evolutionary trees to show how different organisms are related through common ancestry.
In summary, while the Linnaean system provides a foundational structure for classification, contemporary approaches increasingly rely on genetic and evolutionary information to classify and understand the complex relationships among organisms.