Classifying Life Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is classification?

A classification grouping that contains similar, closely related organisms

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

An organism made up of cells that have a nucleus enclosed by a membrane

The scientific study of how living things are classified

What is taxonomy?

The process of grouping things based on their similarities

A diagram that shows probable evolutionary relationships among organisms

The scientific study of how living things are classified (correct)

A classification grouping that contains similar organisms

Who is Carolus Linnaeus?

A Swedish botanist who created the binomial nomenclature.

What is binomial nomenclature?

A classification system where each organism is given a unique, two-part scientific name Signup and view all the answers

What does 'genus' refer to?

A classification grouping that contains similar, closely related organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a species?

A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring. Signup and view all the answers

The levels of classification include: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and ______.

Species Signup and view all the answers

What are taxonomic keys?

Useful tools that help determine the identity of organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a prokaryote?

A unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a eukaryote?

An organism made up of cells that have a nucleus enclosed by a membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the domain Bacteria?

Cells are prokaryotic and can be autotrophs or heterotrophs Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates domain Archaea from domain Bacteria?

Archaea thrive in extreme environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which domain consists of organisms with eukaryotic cells?

Domain Eukarya Signup and view all the answers

What defines the Protist Kingdom?

Mostly unicellular and can be heterotrophic or autotrophic Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Fungi Kingdom?

Includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms Signup and view all the answers

What is a major characteristic of the Plant Kingdom?

Organisms can perform photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the Animal Kingdom?

Includes diverse organisms with various adaptations Signup and view all the answers

Who is Charles Darwin?

An English natural historian and geologist known for the theory of evolution by natural selection. Signup and view all the answers

What is evolution?

Change in a kind of organism over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a branching tree diagram?

A diagram that shows probable evolutionary relationships among organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What are shared derived characteristics?

A trait shared by two species or groups resulting from descent from a common ancestor. Signup and view all the answers

What is convergent evolution?

The process by which unrelated organisms evolve similar characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification and Taxonomy

Classification: Grouping organisms based on similarities.
Taxonomy: Scientific study focused on the classification of living things.

Key Figures in Taxonomy

Carolus Linnaeus: Swedish botanist and zoologist known as the "father of modern taxonomy"; developed binomial nomenclature, naming organisms using a two-part Latin system.

Naming Organisms

Binomial Nomenclature: Each organism receives a unique two-part name indicating its genus and species.

Classifications and Groups

Genus: A group containing closely related organisms.
Species: A group of similar organisms capable of breeding and producing fertile offspring.
Levels of Classification: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

Tools and Concepts

Taxonomic Keys: Tools that aid in identifying organisms.

Cell Types

Prokaryotes: Unicellular organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotes: Organisms with nucleated cells; includes protists, plants, animals, and fungi.

Domains of Life

Domain Bacteria: Prokaryotic cells characterized by cell walls with peptidoglycan; can be autotrophs or heterotrophs.
Domain Archaea: Genetically distinct single-celled prokaryotes, often found in extreme environments.
Domain Eukarya: Comprises organisms with eukaryotic cells like protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

Kingdoms of Life

Protist Kingdom: Mostly unicellular eukaryotes; can be heterotrophic or autotrophic with examples like algae and kelp.
Fungi Kingdom: Eukaryotic organisms that lack chlorophyll; includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.
Plant Kingdom: Multicellular, eukaryotic autotrophs capable of photosynthesis, typically green.
Animal Kingdom: Diverse eukaryotic organisms with adaptations for food procurement and digestion.

Influential Theories

Charles Darwin: Natural historian known for the theory of evolution by natural selection; authored "On the Origin of Species" and "The Descent of Man".
Evolution: The gradual change in organisms over time from ancient ancestors.

Evolutionary Relationships

Branching Tree Diagram: Illustrates evolutionary relationships between organisms, depicting the order in which characteristics evolved.
Shared Derived Characteristics: Traits unique to specific species or groups due to common ancestry.
Convergent Evolution: The phenomenon where unrelated organisms evolve similar traits.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore essential terms related to the classification of living organisms with these flashcards. Learn about important concepts like taxonomy, classification, and the contributions of Carolus Linnaeus to the field of biology. Perfect for students seeking to deepen their understanding of biological classification.