What term is used for the process of classifying living organisms?

The correct term for the process of classifying living organisms is taxonomy. This scientific discipline is focused on naming, describing, and categorizing organisms into hierarchical groups based on shared characteristics and genetic relationships. Taxonomy helps in the organization of biological diversity, enabling researchers to identify species and understand their relationships to one another.

Taxonomy includes several levels of classification, known as taxonomic ranks, such as domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. This systematic approach is crucial for studying biology, ecology, and conservation, as it allows scientists to communicate clearly about species and their characteristics.

In contrast, identification refers to the process of determining the identity of a specific organism, which is a part of taxonomy but does not encompass the broader classification system. Taxidermy is the art of preserving an organism's physical appearance after it has died, not a process of classification. Ecology, on the other hand, studies the interactions between organisms and their environment, which is distinct from the classification of living organisms.