Animal classification is the scientific method of categorizing animals into groups based on shared characteristics. This system helps scientists understand the relationships between different species. The main categories include kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. For example, humans belong to the kingdom Animalia, the phylum Chordata, and the class Mammalia. Each level of classification narrows down the traits that define a particular group. Animals are classified based on various factors, such as their anatomy, behavior, and genetic makeup. This organization aids in studying biodiversity and the evolutionary history of life on Earth.