The classification of animals, also known as taxonomy, is the scientific discipline that involves organizing and categorizing living organisms into hierarchical groups based on their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. The modern system of animal classification is based on the principles developed by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century and has undergone several revisions over time. Currently, animals are classified into several levels of hierarchy, including:

1. **Kingdom**: Animals belong to the kingdom Animalia, which encompasses multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that are heterotrophic (obtain nutrition by consuming other organisms) and lack cell walls.

2. **Phylum**: The kingdom Animalia is further divided into numerous phyla, each representing a major group of animals with distinct anatomical and developmental characteristics. Some common animal phyla include Chordata (vertebrates), Arthropoda (insects, spiders, crustaceans), Mollusca (snails, clams, squid), and Annelida (segmented worms).

3. **Class**: Within each phylum, animals are classified into various classes based on additional shared characteristics. For example, within the class Mammalia (mammals), organisms share characteristics such as having mammary glands, hair or fur, and a neocortex region in the brain.

4. **Order**: Classes are further divided into orders, which represent groups of closely related animals with similar anatomical features and evolutionary histories. For instance, within the class Mammalia, orders include Carnivora (carnivores), Rodentia (rodents), and Primates (primates).

5. **Family**: Orders are subdivided into families, which consist of genera (singular: genus) sharing even more specific traits. Families represent closely related groups of organisms that share a common evolutionary ancestry.

6. **Genus**: Genera are groups of closely related species that share a common ancestor and have similar physical characteristics. The genus name is capitalized and italicized (or underlined) and is used along with the species name to scientifically identify an organism (e.g., Homo sapiens for humans).

7. **Species**: Species are the most specific level of classification and refer to groups of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Each species is uniquely identified by a two-part scientific name (binomial nomenclature), consisting of its genus and species epithet (e.g., Panthera leo for lions).

Taxonomic classification aims to reflect the evolutionary relationships among organisms, grouping them into increasingly inclusive categories based on shared ancestry and morphological similarities. This hierarchical system provides a framework for organizing and studying the vast diversity of animal life on Earth.

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