6 Kingdoms and 3 Domains Flashcards

Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

• Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms lacking a nucleus; they include bacteria and archaebacteria.
• Eukaryotes have a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, encompassing a wide range of organisms from plants to animals.

6 Kingdoms of Life

• The six kingdoms are Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia, classified based on cellular structure, mode of nutrition, and reproductive methods.

3 Domains of Life

• The three domains are Bacteria (unicellular prokaryotes), Archaea (extremophiles in harsh conditions), and Eukarya (organisms with eukaryotic cells).

Taxonomy and Classification

• Taxonomy is the science devoted to classifying, naming, and describing organisms, aiding in the organization of biological diversity.
• A dichotomous key is a tool utilized for identifying unknown organisms through a series of choices based on characteristics.

Ecosystems and Nutritional Strategies

• Ecosystems consist of both living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) components and their interactions, forming complex relationships.
• Autotrophs produce their own food, while heterotrophs obtain food from other organisms.

Kingdom Specifics

• Archaebacteria thrive in extreme conditions (high temperatures, salinity); they are unicellular prokaryotes.
• Eubacteria are characterized by their peptidoglycan cell walls and also consist of unicellular prokaryotes.
• Protista includes eukaryotes that do not fit into other kingdoms, displaying diverse forms of life.
• Fungi are eukaryotic heterotrophs that typically decompose dead organic matter, playing a critical role in nutrient cycling.
• Plantae comprises multicellular autotrophs with cellulose-based cell walls, primarily photosynthetic.
• Animalia consists of multicellular eukaryotic heterotrophs without cell walls, exhibiting various complexities in structure and function.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

• Phylum is a major taxonomic category grouping related organisms, sitting above class and below kingdom.
• Genus includes a group of closely related species; it is the first part of the scientific name in binomial nomenclature, capitalized.
• Species is defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, representing the most specific classification.

Pioneers in Classification

• Carolus Linnaeus, known as the "Father of Classification," developed the binomial nomenclature system, which standardizes the naming of species using Latin terms.

Biotic and Abiotic Factors

• Biotic factors encompass all living elements within an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• Abiotic factors refer to nonliving components such as air, water, sunlight, soil, temperature, and overall climate, which impact ecological dynamics.

Concept of Reproduction

• Reproduction is the biological process through which organisms produce offspring, ensuring species continuity.

Act of Classification

• Classification involves organizing entities into categories based on shared characteristics, facilitating easier study and understanding of biodiversity.