"How Are Viruses Classified?"

Useful Charts has an informative video that follows on an earlier one (Nov. 23, 2019, on evolution of cellular life), “How Are Viruses Classified?”

The charts look like game boards.  The viruses have their own disconnected little chart because viruses cannot reproduces on their own without entering living cells. 

       

There are seven numbered categories.  “I” includes all double-stranded DNA and includes herpes (and smallpox).  “II” is single stranded DNA, “III” is double-stranded RNA.  “IV” is single stranded RNA positive pole, and includes common colds and coronaviruses in separated orders.  “V” is single stranded RNA negative polarity and includes influenza. “VI” would comprise retroviruses, including HIV.