What term is used to describe the study of how living organisms are classified?

The study of how living organisms are classified is known as taxonomy. This branch of biology focuses on naming, describing, and categorizing organisms into hierarchical groups. These groups can include domains, kingdoms, phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species, reflecting both physical characteristics and evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Taxonomy is crucial for the organization of biological information, allowing scientists and researchers to communicate about species accurately and systematically. By employing standardized names and classifications, taxonomy helps streamline the study of biodiversity and aids in the understanding of ecological relationships and evolutionary processes.

The other terms mentioned refer to different scientific disciplines. Ecology, for instance, examines interactions between organisms and their environments. Paleontology is concerned with the study of ancient life, primarily through the examination of fossil remains. Zoology focuses specifically on the study of animals, including their biology, behavior, and classification, but does not encompass the broader aspect of classifying all living organisms as taxonomy does.