Classification of Living Things

In this introduction to how scientists classify living things, the first volume, Monera, Protista, and Fungi teaches viewers about the similarities and differences in classes and species between these three kingdoms in the areas of habitat, life cycle, behavior, eating patterns, and interaction with other organisms. The second volume, Animalia and Plantae, looks at the similarities and differences between the plant and animal kingdoms, delving deeper into the subject of taxonomy (or science of classifying living things) with a brief historical overview that includes the contributions of Carl von Linne or Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist who founded the modern system of classification by giving each life form a species and genus name. Other interesting facts about plants and animals are presented as well, including the tidbit that viewers are much closer relatives to the housefly than they ever might have suspected. Providing a good introduction to the topic without leaving us fine arts majors among the particulate matter of organic and inorganic substances flying in the atmosphere (i.e., "dust"), the 2-volume Classification of Living Things is recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (L. Stevens)