Final answer:
Classification of organisms is done using taxonomic ranks and resources like Bergey's Manuals for bacteria, along with consideration of physical characteristics and phylogenetic relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The easiest way to find out what type of organism a specific species is involves using a classification system like the hierarchical taxonomic classification, which includes domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. For example, a bear would be classified under the Kingdom Animalia because it is a multicellular organism that gets its energy through ingesting other organisms. When dealing with bacteria, resources like Bergey's Manuals are invaluable for identification and classification, as they utilize biochemical properties, serological tests, and DNA sequencing for differentiation. Moreover, observable characteristics and phylogenetic trees can also aid in classifying and understanding the relationships between organisms.
One type of information that can help scientists classify an organism is its genetic information. By analyzing the DNA or RNA of an organism, scientists can determine its evolutionary relationships and place it into the appropriate taxonomic group.
Another resource that can be helpful in identifying and classifying organisms is Bergey's Manuals. These manuals provide detailed information about different microbial species, including their biochemical properties and tests that can be performed to differentiate and classify them.