Biology Classification System Flashcards

Classification and Taxonomy

• Classification organizes living organisms into groups for easier study.
• Taxonomy is the scientific study of classifying living things.
• The classification hierarchy includes levels: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

Carolus Linnaeus and Naming Systems

• Carolus Linnaeus created a naming system called binomial nomenclature.
• Each organism is assigned a two-part scientific name: Genus (capitalized) and Species (not capitalized), both italicized.

Kingdoms of Life

• Six kingdoms: Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protists, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
• Archaebacteria and Eubacteria are prokaryotic (lack a nucleus); all other kingdoms are eukaryotic (contain a nucleus).
• Plantae and Animalia are multicellular; Archaebacteria and Eubacteria are unicellular; Protists and Fungi can be both.

Characteristics of Kingdoms

• Archaebacteria: Exist in extreme environments like hot springs and acidic conditions.
• Eubacteria: Common bacteria living in neutral conditions with a different chemical makeup than archaebacteria.
• Protists: Diverse and can be animal-like, fungus-like, or plant-like; can be beneficial or harmful.
• Fungi: Decomposers that break down dead organic material; found primarily on land.
• Plantae: Primary producers that sustain heterotrophic life forms through photosynthesis.
• Animalia: Heterotrophic, mobile organisms with various adaptations for survival.

Biological Concepts

• Eukaryote: Organisms with cells that have a nucleus.
• Prokaryote: Organisms whose cells lack a nucleus.
• Multicellular: Organisms made of multiple specialized cells.
• Unicellular: Organisms composed of a single cell.
• Autotrophic: Organisms that produce their own food (e.g., plants).
• Heterotrophic: Organisms that rely on other sources for food (e.g., animals).

Evolution and Natural Selection

• Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection explains how species evolve over time through adaptation.
• The process involves factors like overproduction, variation, competition, and selection.
• Overproduction: Species produce more offspring than can survive, leading to competition for resources.
• Variation: Differences among individuals in a population; critical for natural selection.
• Adaptation: Traits that enhance survival or reproduction in a specific environment.
• Artificial Selection: Breeding organisms for desired traits.

Definitions and Important Terms

• Fossil: Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.
• Scientific Theory: A well-tested explanation for a range of observations or experimental results.
• Common Ancestor: Organisms exhibit similarities because they share a common ancestor.

These flashcards cover key concepts of biological classification and the contributions of Carolus Linnaeus. Learn how biologists organize living organisms to enhance the study of biodiversity and taxonomy. Perfect for biology students and anyone interested in the natural sciences.