Classification-Fitting into the big picture...
The following table lists the levels of taxonomic classification for the black-necked swan. Also listed is a short explanation of what that level means/why this swan fits there. For more information regarding classification and close relatives of the black-necked swan, check out the phylogeny page.
|
Classification Level |
Description |
|
|
Organisms whose cells contain a true
nucleus and membrane bound organelles. |
|
Kingdom:
Animalia |
Organisms are multicellular,
heterotrophic, and without cell walls. |
|
|
Organisms that at some point in
development contain these five characteristics: notochord,
dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal pouches, endostyle, and a
postanal tail. |
|
|
Organisms called “birds,” they have
wings, a beak, air cavities in their skeleton, amniotic
eggs, endothermic. |
|
|
Includes the geese, ducks, and swans.
Characterized by a broad flat bill and webbed feet. |
|
|
Swimming birds that have heavy
short-legged bodies and bills with a horny tip. |
|
|
Characterized by a long slender neck and
white plumage |
|
|
Black-necked swan |
*The genus Cygnus refers to swans while the species name,
melancoryphus, literally means “black-necked”.