Bacterial taxonomy is the science of classifying and naming bacteria based on their characteristics and genetic relationships. It helps scientists organize the vast diversity of bacterial species into groups, making it easier to study their functions, behaviors, and roles in ecosystems. The classification system typically includes ranks such as domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Modern bacterial taxonomy often relies on molecular techniques, such as DNA sequencing, to determine genetic similarities and differences among bacteria. This approach has led to the discovery of new bacterial species and a better understanding of their evolutionary relationships. Accurate classification is essential for research, medicine, and environmental science.