How are life forms categorized?

Life forms are categorized into a hierarchical classification system known as taxonomy, which includes several ranks such as domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Organisms are grouped based on shared characteristics, evolutionary relationships, and genetic similarities. The three primary domains of life are Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya, with Eukarya further divided into kingdoms like Animalia, Plantae, and Fungi. This systematic approach helps scientists communicate about and study the diversity of life on Earth.