Classification of Dolphins Flashcards

What is the taxonomic kingdom comprising all animals?

What term describes animals with a backbone?

What do we call animals that are warm-blooded and have body hair?

What term refers to aquatic mammals including whales, dolphins, and porpoises?

What is the family name for members of the cetacean family?

What is the scientific name for the bottlenose dolphin?

What does the term 'truncatus' mean?

Dolphin Classification Study Notes

Animalia: Represents the kingdom that includes all animal forms, characterized by multicellular organisms that are generally motile during some life stages.
Chordata: Refers to animals possessing a notochord, often developing into a backbone. This phylum includes all vertebrates and some invertebrates.
Mammalia: Denotes warm-blooded animals known for their ability to regulate body temperature, typically have fur or hair, and nurse their young with milk.
Cetacea: Encompasses primarily aquatic mammals, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises, adapted to life in the water with streamlined bodies.
Delphinidae: Identifies the family of marine mammals that includes dolphins. Members are known for their intelligence and complex social structures.
Tursiops: Specific genus name for bottlenose dolphins, one of the most recognized and studied species of dolphins.
Truncatus: Describes a physical characteristic meaning shortened or cut-off, often used in biological nomenclature to refer to species with specific body shapes or adaptations.

Explore the diverse classifications of dolphins with this set of flashcards. Each card provides definitions for key taxonomic categories such as Animalia, Chordata, Mammalia, and Cetacea. Perfect for students learning marine biology or animal classification.