Questions and Answers
How are organisms classified into domains and kingdoms?
Organisms are classified into a three-domain system: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, based on their cell type, ability to make food, and number of cells in their bodies.
What is Domain Bacteria?
Domain Bacteria includes unicellular prokaryotes that can be found anywhere; some are autotrophs and some are heterotrophs.
What are prokaryotes?
Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms whose cells lack a nucleus.
What is a nucleus?
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What characterizes Domain Archaea?
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What is Domain Eukarya?
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What are eukaryotes?
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What is Protista?
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What are Fungi?
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What is Plantae?
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What is the definition of a domain in taxonomy?
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What characterizes Domain Animalia?
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What is a genus?
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What defines a species?
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Study Notes
Classification of Organisms
- Organisms are classified into a three-domain system: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
- Classification criteria include cell type, method of food production, and cellular organization (unicellular or multicellular).
Domain Bacteria
- Bacteria thrive in diverse environments and can be autotrophs (produce their own food) or heterotrophs (consume other organisms).
- All bacteria are unicellular prokaryotes, lacking a nucleus.
Prokaryotes
- Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms without a nucleus, meaning their nucleic acids aren't enclosed in a membrane-bound structure.
Nucleus
- The nucleus is a dense cell area that houses nucleic acids, which are crucial for directing cellular activity.
Domain Archaea
- Archaea can inhabit extreme conditions, including deep ocean floors, hot springs, and volcanic environments.
- Like bacteria, Archaea are unicellular prokaryotes and can be autotrophs or heterotrophs.
- Archaea differ from bacteria chemically and structurally.
Domain Eukarya
- Organisms in the domain Eukarya are classified into four kingdoms: Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
Eukaryotes
- Eukaryotes are organisms with cells that contain a nucleus, distinguishing them from prokaryotes.
Kingdom Protista
- Includes all eukaryotic organisms that are not classified as fungi, plants, or animals, often referred to as the "odds and ends" kingdom.
- Members can be autotrophic or heterotrophic and vary from unicellular to multicellular.
Kingdom Fungi
- Comprises organisms like mushrooms, molds, and mildew, including both unicellular and multicellular forms.
- Fungi are heterotrophs that obtain nutrients by absorbing the remains of dead or decaying organisms.
Kingdom Plantae
- All plants are multicellular autotrophs that produce their own food via photosynthesis.
- They provide nourishment for many land-dwelling heterotrophs.
- Plant structures vary widely and possess cell walls made of cellulose.
Domain
- A domain is a high-level taxonomic category that includes all living organisms.
Kingdom Animalia
- All animals are multicellular heterotrophs with varying adaptations for locating, capturing, and digesting food.
- Animals inhabit numerous environments and distinctively lack cell walls.
Genus
- Genus is a taxonomic rank that follows family and groups together closely related species.
Species
- A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, indicating close genetic relationships.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of organism classification in this quiz. You'll learn about the three-domain system: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, as well as the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Test your understanding of how organisms are categorized based on cell type and food production methods.
