Linnaeus first used this system of classification in 1753.
Classification means grouping together similar organisms. (Learn the example below, which shows the scientific classification of corn:)
Category Example
Kingdom Plant
Phylum Anthophyta
Class Monocotyledons
Order Commelinales
Family Poaceae
Genus Zea
Species mays
The "scientific name" is the genus and species name
eg Zea mays, Homo sapiens, Alligator mississipiensis.
Classification website
Note: Organisms in the same genus will have many characteristics in common. Organisms in the same family will have some characteristics in common.