Tag: Taxonomy

For centuries, civilizations have harvested spirulina, but its true biological identity is often misunderstood. Although commonly referred to as a blue-green algae, the scientific answer to 'what is spirulina classified as?' points to a different, more ancient, group of organisms: cyanobacteria.

A single sunflower head can produce up to 2,000 seeds, each carrying a specific botanical classification. When asking "what is the class of sunflower seeds," the answer points to Magnoliopsida, an extensive group of flowering plants known for their distinctive characteristics.

Over 67,000 species make up the diverse group of crustaceans to which shrimp belong. This often-debated topic asks: is shrimp an insect or a fish? The simple biological answer is that they are neither, but are in fact, crustaceans.

Archaeological evidence shows lentils are one of the world's earliest domesticated crops, cultivated as far back as the early Stone Age in the Near East. This long history of consumption raises a common question for many home cooks and nutrition enthusiasts: is a lentil a bean or a pea, or something else entirely? The answer lies in the sprawling, fascinating family known as the legumes.

In 1905, Bulgarian scientist Stamen Grigorov identified the rod-shaped bacterium responsible for fermenting milk into yogurt, forever connecting his nation to this microbiological landmark. This historic discovery is the precise reason why it is called bulgaricus, a tribute to its Bulgarian origins.

As of April 2020, the scientific name for Lactobacillus reuteri was officially changed to Limosilactobacillus reuteri, reflecting a significant reclassification of the broader Lactobacillus genus. This change was the result of extensive biomolecular research that revealed key genetic and metabolic differences between the many species grouped under the original genus. While consumers and healthcare providers may still see the older name on some product labels, the scientific community now uses the new, more accurate classification.

Sorghum is the fifth most-produced cereal crop in the world, with archaeological evidence suggesting its domestication over 8,000 years ago in northeastern Africa. The classification of sorghum is multi-layered, ranging from its formal scientific taxonomy to practical, purpose-based categories that define its diverse uses in food, feed, and fuel. Understanding these classifications helps define the characteristics and applications of its many varieties.

Over 20,000 species of plants are included in the legume family, and all of these belong to the same taxonomic order. So, what order do beans belong to, along with their other pod-producing relatives? This detailed guide will explain the complete botanical classification of beans, from their kingdom to their specific genus and species.

Tuna are some of the fastest and most highly migratory fish in the world's oceans, with certain species, like the albacore, capable of swimming over 50 miles per hour. But what group does tuna belong to? The answer lies within the classification of bony fishes, specifically as a member of the Scombridae family, also known as the mackerel family.