Biology: Classification of Organisms

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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between the characteristics used to group organisms into kingdoms and those used to identify species?

The characteristics used to group organisms into kingdoms are broader, while those used to identify species are more specific.

What is the name of the system that groups living things into five major kingdoms based on simple distinctive characteristics?

The five-kingdom system

What is the main characteristic that distinguishes invertebrate animals from other animals?

The lack of a backbone or vertebral column

What is the purpose of using a hierarchical classification system, such as the one shown in the table?

To show the relationships between different groups of organisms and to identify their shared characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the scientific naming of organisms using a two-part name, consisting of a genus and species?

Binomial nomenclature Signup and view all the answers

What is the most specific level of classification shown in the table?

Species Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the study of the classification and naming of organisms?

Taxonomy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using a hierarchical classification system, such as the one shown in the table?

It allows for the organization of a vast amount of information about different organisms and their relationships Signup and view all the answers

What are the three classifications of fish mentioned in the text?

jawless fish, cartilaginous fish, and bony fish Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique characteristic of amphibians mentioned in the text?

Capacity to breathe through lungs and absorb oxygen through their skin Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of reptiles mentioned in the text?

Scaly skin Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique characteristic of birds mentioned in the text?

Ability to fly (although not all birds can fly) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic that distinguishes mammals from other vertebrates mentioned in the text?

Possession of mammary glands Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of plants mentioned in the text?

Non-motile Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the plant cell wall mentioned in the text?

Made of cellulose Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of plant cells mentioned in the text?

Contain plastids and photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the binomial system of naming species?

To provide an internationally agreed system for naming organisms, allowing for the subdivision of living organisms into smaller and more specialized groups. Signup and view all the answers

How do the names of genus and species differ in the binomial system?

The genus name starts with a capital letter, while the species name is written in small letters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between artificial and natural classification of organisms?

Artificial classification is based on one or a few easily observed characteristics, whereas natural classification is based on their similarities and differences. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two branches of taxonomy?

The naming of organisms (nomenclature) and the placing of organisms into groups (systematics). Signup and view all the answers

What is the scientific name of the human species?

Homo Sapiens. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the binomial system of naming species internationally agreed upon?

To provide a standardized system for naming organisms, facilitating communication and collaboration among scientists worldwide. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Carl Linnaeus' contribution to the field of taxonomy?

He developed the binomial system of naming species, which is still widely used today, and established a foundation for modern taxonomy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of classification in biology?

To subgroup living organisms into smaller and more specialized groups, facilitating understanding and organization of the diversity of life on Earth. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Organisms

Organisms are classified into groups based on their characteristics, with broader features used for kingdoms and more specific features used for species
The five-kingdom system is a common way of grouping living things, developed by Robert H. Whittaker in 1969
The five kingdoms are:
- Kingdom Animalia
- Kingdom Plantae
- Kingdom Fungi
- Kingdom Protista
- Kingdom Monera (Bacteria)

Kingdom Animalia

Invertebrate animals:
- Do not possess a backbone or vertebral column
- Examples include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals
Vertebrate animals:
- Possess a backbone or vertebral column
- Examples include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals
Subgroups of vertebrates:
- Fish: aquatic vertebrates with gills for respiration and fins for locomotion
- Amphibians: vertebrates that undergo metamorphosis from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults
- Reptiles: cold-blooded vertebrates with scaly skin and amniotic eggs
- Birds: warm-blooded vertebrates with feathers, beaks, and the ability to fly
- Mammals: warm-blooded vertebrates with mammary glands, hair or fur, and give live birth

Kingdom Plantae

Major characteristics of plants:
- Eukaryotic and multicellular organisms
- Cells have a distinct cell wall made of cellulose
- Cells are organized into true plant tissues
- Contain plastids and photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll
- Non-motile

Scientific Naming of Organisms

Binomial system of naming organisms developed by Carl Linnaeus
Scientific name consists of two parts: genus and species
Rules for binomial nomenclature:
- Contains two names (genus and species)
- First name (genus) starts with a capital letter
- Second name (species) is written in small letters
- Scientific name must be written underlined or printed in italics
Example: Homo Sapiens (human species)

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Description

Learn about the classification of organisms from kingdoms to species, and how characteristics become more specific as you move down the hierarchy.