Biological Taxonomy and Organism Classification

Questions and Answers

Who is known as the father of modern taxonomy?

Ernst Haeckel

Gregory Mendel

Charles Darwin

Carl Linnaeus (correct)

What are fungi?

Any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.

What are heterotrophs?

Organisms that derive their nutritional requirements from complex organic substances.

What does photosynthetic mean?

Relating to the process by which organisms use sunlight to synthesize nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What is Monera?

A kingdom containing unicellular organisms with prokaryotic cell organization. Signup and view all the answers

What are archaebacteria?

Single-celled microorganisms that are prokaryotes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a protist?

Any eukaryotic organism that is not an animal, plant, or fungus. Signup and view all the answers

What are eukarya?

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes. Signup and view all the answers

What does unicellular mean?

Consisting of a single cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is taxonomy?

The science of defining and naming groups of biological organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a phylum?

A principal taxonomic category that ranks above class and below kingdom. Signup and view all the answers

What is a claudogram?

A branching diagram showing the cladistic relationship between species. Signup and view all the answers

What is a binomial name?

A two-part name consisting of the genus followed by the specific epithet. Signup and view all the answers

What is nomenclature?

A system of names or terms in a particular field. Signup and view all the answers

What is phylogeny?

The branch of biology that deals with phylogenesis. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 6 kingdoms?

Plants, Animals, Protists, Fungi, Archaebacteria, Eubacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What are derived characters?

Characters that evolved in the lineage leading up to a clade. Signup and view all the answers

What are traits in biology?

Features of an organism. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 domains of life?

Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. Signup and view all the answers

What does multicellular mean?

Having or consisting of many cells. Signup and view all the answers

What are eubacteria?

Bacteria with simple cells and rigid cell walls, comprising 'true' bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is DNA classification?

Classification based on how similar organisms are in form. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Linnaeus

Carl Linnaeus, ennobled as Carl von Linné, was a Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist.
Known as the "father of modern taxonomy" for formalizing binomial nomenclature.

Fungi

Group of eukaryotic organisms, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.
Characterized by their role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain nutrition from complex organic substances.
Include many animals, fungi, and some bacteria.

Photosynthetic

Describes organisms that require sunlight to synthesize nutrients through photosynthesis.
Key process for green plants and some bacteria, supporting life on Earth.

Monera

A kingdom encompassing unicellular prokaryotic organisms, primarily bacteria.
Established by Ernst Haeckel in 1866, marking a foundational step in microbial classification.

Archaebacteria

Domain of single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms known as Archaea.
Initially classified as bacteria; now recognized as a separate group due to significant genetic differences.

Protists

Eukaryotic organisms that do not fit into the animal, plant, or fungus kingdoms.
Lack a cohesive classification and include diverse forms of life, from unicellular to multicellular organisms.

Eukarya

Domain containing organisms with cells that have a membrane-bound nucleus.
Includes animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Unicellular

Organisms made up of a single cell.
Examples include bacteria, archaea, and some protists.

Taxonomy

Science focused on defining and naming biological groups based on shared characteristics.
Facilitates understanding of relationships among organisms.

Phylum

Principal taxonomic category ranking above class and below kingdom.
Represents a major lineage of organisms sharing structural features.

Claudogram

A branching diagram illustrating cladistic relationships among species.
Highlights evolutionary connections based on shared derived traits.

Binomial

A two-part naming system for species, consisting of genus and specific epithet.
Essential for standardizing species identification across scientific fields.

Nomenclature

System of assigning names or terms based on established rules in specific disciplines.
Provides clarity and uniformity in scientific communication.

Phylogeny

Branch of biology that studies the evolutionary development of species.
Explores the ancestral relationships and diversification of organisms over time.

6 Kingdoms

Classification includes: Plants, Animals, Protists, Fungi, Archaebacteria, and Eubacteria.
Represents a comprehensive view of biological diversity.

Derived Characters

Traits that evolved within a clade, distinguishing members from others.
Important for understanding evolutionary relationships and classifications.

Traits

Features or characteristics of an organism.
Can be structural, behavioral, or physiological.

3 Domains

Classification system includes Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.
Reflects key genetic and evolutionary distinctions among major life forms.

Multi-cellular

Organisms composed of multiple cells, often showing specialization of function.
Examples include plants, animals, and many fungi.

Eubacteria

Large group of bacteria with simple cells and rigid cell walls.
Includes "true" bacteria and cyanobacteria, differing from archaebacteria.

DNA Classification

Classification based on genetic similarity, evolving from form-based classification.
Provides a more accurate understanding of the relationships and evolution of species.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in biological taxonomy, focusing on important figures like Carl Linnaeus and the various groups of organisms such as fungi, heterotrophs, and prokaryotes. Test your knowledge of classification systems and the unique characteristics of different biological kingdoms.