Classification of Organisms Quiz

Questions and Answers

How are organisms classified into domains and kingdoms?

Organisms are classified into a three-domain system of classification: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, based on their cell type, their ability to make food, and the number of cells in their bodies.

What is Domain Bacteria?

Bacteria can be anywhere, some are autotrophs, some are heterotrophs, and all bacteria are unicellular prokaryotes.

What are prokaryotes?

Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms whose cells lack a nucleus.

What is a nucleus?

A nucleus is a dense area in a cell that contains nucleic acids, the chemical instructions that direct the cell's activity. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Domain Archaea?

Members of Domain Archaea can live in extreme environments, are unicellular prokaryotes, and can be autotrophs or heterotrophs. Signup and view all the answers

What is Domain Eukarya?

Domain Eukarya includes organisms classified into one of four kingdoms: protists, fungi, plants, or animals. Signup and view all the answers

What are eukaryotes?

Eukaryotes are organisms with cells that contain a nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What are protists?

Protists are any eukaryotic organisms that cannot be classified as fungi, plants, or animals. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes fungi?

Fungi include mushrooms, molds, and mildew, are heterotrophs, and feed by absorbing nutrients from dead and decaying organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of plants?

Plants are all multicellular autotrophs that make their own food and provide food for many land heterotrophs. Signup and view all the answers

What defines animals?

All animals are multicellular and heterotrophs, with adaptations that allow them to locate, capture, eat, and digest food. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Organisms

Organisms are categorized using a three-domain system: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
Classification is based on cell type, method of obtaining food, and number of cells.

Domain Bacteria

Bacteria inhabit diverse environments.
Autotrophic and heterotrophic forms exist.
All bacteria are unicellular prokaryotes.

Prokaryotes

Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms lacking a nucleus.
Nucleic acids are not contained within any membrane-bound structure.

Nucleus

The nucleus is a dense area within cells that holds nucleic acids, directing cell activity.

Domain Archaea

Archaea thrive in extreme environments, such as hot springs, ocean floors, and volcanic regions.
They are also unicellular prokaryotes, varying between autotrophs and heterotrophs.
Distinct from bacteria due to differences in chemical composition and cell structure.

Domain Eukarya

Organisms in Eukarya are classified into four kingdoms: protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

Eukaryotes

Eukaryotes possess cells that contain a nucleus.

Kingdom Protists

Protists are diverse eukaryotic organisms not fitting into fungi, plants, or animals.
Commonly referred to as the "odds and ends" kingdom due to their variability.
Members can be autotrophic or heterotrophic and include both unicellular and multicellular forms.

Kingdom Fungi

Fungi encompass organisms like mushrooms, molds, and mildew.
They can be unicellular or multicellular and are all heterotrophic.
Nutrients are absorbed from dead and decaying organisms.

Kingdom Plants

All plants are multicellular and autotrophic, producing their own food.
They provide essential food sources for various terrestrial heterotrophs.
Plant diversity includes variations in height and whether they produce flowers.

Kingdom Animals

All animals are multicellular and heterotrophic.
Animals display various adaptations for locating, capturing, consuming, and digesting food.
They inhabit numerous environments, showcasing ecological diversity.

Description

Test your knowledge on the three-domain system of classification for organisms. This quiz covers Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, focusing on their characteristics and differences. Perfect for biology students seeking to strengthen their understanding of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.