Final answer:
Scientists classify organisms based on anatomical features, patterns of embryological development, and genetic makeup, along with shared traits such as metabolism and the ability to reproduce. They use a system of taxonomy with hierarchical categories from domain to species, and employ binomial nomenclature for unique naming.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scientists use a variety of features to classify organisms. These common features include anatomical structures, embryological development patterns, and genetic makeup. By observing these characteristics, scientists can position organisms within a taxonomic hierarchy that reflects their evolutionary relationships.
For example, symmetry is an important aspect of an organism's body plan, and developmental characteristics such as the number of germ tissue layers formed during development are also evaluated. Other traits like metabolism, the ability to grow and develop, respond to environmental stimuli, and reproduce are shared traits among living organisms that assist in the classification process.
The classification includes several hierarchical categories, commonly known as domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species, which organize biological diversity from the most general (domain) to the most specific (species). The combination of genus and species names, known as binomial nomenclature, provides a unique scientific name for each organism.
As new data is continually discovered, the classification system evolves, leading to more accurate representations of the relationships among different organisms. This complexity is why classification is a dynamic and ever-evolving field of biology, reflecting the ever-increasing understanding of the natural world.