Eli5: How exactly do scientists break down the taxonomy of a newly discovered species?

Question

Eli5: How exactly do scientists break down the taxonomy of a newly discovered species?

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Answer 1

Before the availability of genetic analysis, most taxonomic work was based on what you could see (both on the outside and the inside of the specimens being classified). Creatures that looked similar, had similar organs, etc., were frequently considered closer relatives on the tree of life than those who looked dissimilar. With the widespread use of genetic analysis, however, taxonomists are far more precise now about exactly how related a new species is to other species.