Final answer:
Linnaeus made a major breakthrough by inventing the binomial nomenclature system and is considered the 'father of taxonomy'. His system categorized living things based on shared traits and served as the basis for all modern classification systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
One major conceptual breakthrough made by Linnaeus was that he developed the binomial nomenclature system, a standardized method for naming species. This approach involves giving each species a unique, two-word Latin name, which consists of the genus name and a specific species identifier. For example, humans are referred to as Homo sapiens. Linnaeus is recognized as the inventor of modern taxonomy, and his system had a universal scope, categorizing all known living things based on shared physical traits.
In addition to introducing binomial nomenclature, Linnaeus's classification system grouped organisms with similar characteristics together, such as mammals with mammary glands. His work laid the foundation for modern biological classification systems, making him known as the 'father of taxonomy'. Linnaeus understood that his system was a way to manage the diversity of life by categorizing it, although he acknowledged that it might not be a 'natural' classification based on fundamental similarities.