Classification

Domain: Eukarya
Members of this domain are classified as being multicellular, having a true nucleus, and having membrane bound organelles. Other examples of organisms from this domain include Nerium oleander and the diatoms.

Kingdom: Animalia
Members of the Kingdom Animalia are characterized as being multicellular, heterotrophic, which means that they consume other organisms (vertebrates and invertebrates) in order to get their nutrition. These organisms include herbivores, carnivores, detrivores, and parasites. Another example of an animal from this kingdom can include Cyanea capillata (Lion's Mane Jellyfish).

Phylum: Chordata
Organisms of this phylum are characterizes as having a notochord, dorsal nerve chord, pharyngeal pouches, an endostyle, and a postanal tail at some point in their life cycle. Organisms of this phylum  are also characterized as being triploblastic (endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm), and having bilateral symmetry. Another cool organism that is found in this phylum includes Mannis temminckii (ThePangolin).

Class: Mammalia
Members of this group are characterized as having hair, being able to generate their own body heat, and having mammary glands for milk secretion. Shrews are one of the smallest organisms of the this class. Another organism that can be found in this class include Ailuropoda melanoleuca (The Giant Panda).

Order: Soricomorpha
Once considered part of the order Insectivora, this group of organisms consists primarily of moles and shrews. They are also classified as being as being consumers of insects. Another interesting organism that can be found in this order is Solenodon paradoxus (Hispaniolan Solendon).

Family: Soricidae
This family comprises the shrews. They are characterized as having high metabolic rates, which means they have to eat constantly throughout the day. Their primary sources of food include fish, snails, worms, smaller mammals, and various invertebrates. Members of this family are also characterized by the toxins they secrete, as well as being terrestrial organisms.  Shrews in this family are also well adapted to swimming.

Genus: Neomys
This Genus is composed of three species of shrews that are found in Europe and Asia (N. fodiens, N. anomalus, N. schelkovnikovi). 

Species: Neomys fodiens
The scientific name Neomys fodiens was given to this organism by Pennant in 1771. The literal translation of the name means Old World Water Shrew, but in the United States it is known as the Eurasian Water Shrew. In Europe, this organism is called the water shrew. Eurasian Water Shrews are incredible divers and swimmers. They usually create a system of tunnels along banks and rivers as a means of protection. The Eurasian Water Shrew is also one of the largest shrews found in Europe.

This generalized phylogenetic tree is based on information found on the Human Ageing Genomic Resources Website.


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