Biology Taxonomy Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is classification?

The process of grouping things based on their similarities (correct)

The study of animal behavior

A term used in mathematics

A scientific method to analyze DNA

What is taxonomy?

The science of classifying organisms.

What is binomial nomenclature?

Classification system where each species is assigned a two-part scientific name.

What is a taxon?

A named group of organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term domain refer to?

Contains one or more kingdoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a kingdom in biological classification?

The taxon composed of related phyla/divisions. Signup and view all the answers

What does phylum contain?

Related classes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a class in biological terms?

Contained of related orders. Signup and view all the answers

What is an order in classification?

Contained of related families. Signup and view all the answers

What is a family in taxonomy?

Group of similar genera. Signup and view all the answers

What does genus refer to?

A group of species that are closely related. Signup and view all the answers

What is phylogeny?

Evolutionary history of a species. Signup and view all the answers

What are characters in biology?

Inherited features that vary among species. Signup and view all the answers

What is a molecular clock?

A model used to compare DNA sequences between species. Signup and view all the answers

What is cladistics?

Classification based on common ancestry. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cladogram?

A branching diagram representing evolutionary history. Signup and view all the answers

What does archaea refer to?

Domain of unicellular prokaryotes. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by protist?

Unicellular or multicellular eukaryote. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fungus?

A unicellular or multicellular eukaryote that absorbs nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification and Taxonomy

Classification groups organisms based on similarities and criteria.
Taxonomy is the scientific discipline focused on identifying, naming, and classifying species through natural relationships.

Nomenclature and Taxa

Binomial nomenclature assigns a two-part scientific name to each species (genus followed by species).
Taxon refers to a named group of organisms within the classification system.

Hierarchical Classification

Domain encompasses one or more kingdoms, representing the highest taxonomic rank.
Kingdom consists of related phyla or divisions, constituting a more specific classification.
Phylum (or division in plants) comprises related classes, serving to categorize organisms based on broader characteristics.
Class contains related orders, further refining the classification.
Order consists of related families, grouping organisms sharing significant traits.
Family consists of similar genera, allowing for closer categorization within broader groups.
Genus groups closely related species with a common ancestor.

Evolutionary and Molecular Concepts

Phylogeny describes the evolutionary history of a species, illustrating how species are related.
Characters are inherited features that show variation among species, aiding classification.
Molecular clock compares DNA sequences of species to estimate divergence time since a common ancestor.
Cladistics classifies organisms based on common ancestry, evaluating the order of divergence from ancestors.
A cladogram is a branching diagram depicting the proposed phylogenetic relationships among species.

Domains of Life

Archaea represents a domain of unicellular prokaryotes lacking peptidoglycan in their cell walls, often described as ancient organisms.
Protists are diverse eukaryotes that can be unicellular, multicellular, or colonial, with cell walls potentially containing cellulose and exhibiting various life forms (plant, animal, or fungus-like).
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms, either unicellular or multicellular, that absorb nutrients from organic materials in their environment.

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Description

Explore key concepts in biology taxonomy with these flashcards. Learn about classification, taxonomy, and binomial nomenclature as you familiarize yourself with the science of organizing living organisms. Perfect for students seeking a deeper understanding of biological classification.