Which field of study focuses on the classification and naming of organisms?

The field of study that focuses on the classification and naming of organisms is taxonomy. Taxonomy is a branch of biology that provides a systematic framework for identifying, naming, and categorizing organisms based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. This discipline is fundamental to organizing biological diversity, allowing scientists to communicate more effectively about different species and understand their relationships.

Taxonomy encompasses various levels of classification, from broad categories such as kingdoms and phyla to more specific classifications like genera and species. The work of taxonomists involves not only naming organisms but also exploring their hierarchies and relationships within the broader tapestry of life.

In contrast, genetics focuses on heredity and variation in organisms, ecology studies the interactions between organisms and their environments, and paleontology investigates the history of life on Earth through fossil records. While these fields may intersect with taxonomy in some respects, they do not primarily deal with the classification and naming of organisms as taxonomy does.