Classifying Animals and Plants Flashcards

Organisms on Earth

• Millions of known types of organisms exist, with millions more yet to be named.
• The majority of organisms are classified as living beings.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Scientists use taxonomy as the scientific method for classification of organisms.
• Classification involves identifying and naming various organisms based on characteristics.

Organism Characteristics

• Organisms are organized based on observable features such as color, size, and shape.
• Distinctions between animals and plants rely on specific characteristics of each.

Animal Characteristics

• All animals exhibit mobility, require food, and need access to water and oxygen to survive.
• Living things with these similarities are categorized as animals.

Meaning of Classification

• Classification involves grouping objects or ideas by similarities.
• It simplifies information retrieval regarding various organisms, including diet and reproduction.

Biological Kingdoms

• Organisms are grouped into kingdoms.
• There are six recognized kingdoms of life.

Names of the Kingdoms

• The kingdoms include Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals.

Hierarchy of Classification

• Each kingdom is divided into phyla, which are smaller classification groups.
• Phyla are further subdivided into classes.
• Classes are broken down into orders, families, genera, and species.
• Humans belong to the Primate order, Hominidae family, and the genus Homo.

Classification Levels

• The classification system follows this order: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
• The species of humans is Homo sapiens, meaning "wise man."

Vertebrates vs. Invertebrates

• Vertebrates are organisms that have a backbone.
• Invertebrates are organisms that lack a backbone.