A few words about Microbial Classification
A few words about classification In this section, we examine the wide diversity of microbial life. We shall discuss major structural and functional characteristics, and outline the main taxonomic divisions within each group. We shall also consider some specific examples, particularly with respect to their effect on humans. By way of introduction, however, we need to say something on the subject of the classification of microorganisms. In any discussion on biological classification, it is impossible to avoid mentioning Lin-naeus, the Swedish botanist who attempted to bring order to the naming of living things by giving each type a Latin name. He even gave himself one – his real name was Carl von Linne!´ It was Linnaeus who was responsible for introducing the binomial system of nomenclature, by which each organism was assigned a genus and a species . To give a few familiar examples, you and I are Homo sapiens, the fruit fly that has contributed s...