Environmental Science: Introduction to Ecology

Study Notes

Taxonomy and Classification

Kingdom represents the highest taxonomic rank, grouping organisms based on observable traits.
Phylum is a taxonomic division containing one or more classes.
Class encompasses one or more orders in the taxonomy hierarchy.
Order consists of one or more families.
Family is a collection including one or more genera.
Genus groups similar species together.
Species is the basic taxonomic group whose members can interbreed.

Carolus Linnaeus and Taxonomic System

Carolus Linnaeus, in 1735, published Systema Naturae, detailing a hierarchical classification system.
Taxonomy involves naming and identifying organisms, serving as a systematic approach in biology.
Binomial Nomenclature: Each species receives a two-part scientific name to standardize identification.

Hierarchy of Life

Biosphere: All living organisms in conjunction with their environment.
Ecosystem: Interactions among smaller groups of organisms and their environment.
Community: Relationships among different species groups within a habitat.
Population: Groups of similar individuals that can interbreed in limited geographical areas.
Organism: A single entity, made of one or more cells with a unique DNA arrangement.
Organ System: Collection of cells, tissues, and organs performing specific functions.
Organ: Group of cells or tissues fulfilling an overall function.
Tissue: A collection of cells working together for a specific task.
Cell: The fundamental unit of living organisms.
Organelle: Subunits within a cell performing specialized functions.

Diversity of Life

An estimated 8.7 million species of life exist, with roughly three-quarters inhabiting land and one-quarter residing in water.

Human Classification Example

Scientific classification of domesticated dog:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Canidae
- Genus: Canis
- Species: familiaris
- Scientific name: Canis familiaris

Biochemical Levels

Molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles are the fundamental functional levels of biochemistry.
Protective trees in certain ecosystems have thick leaves and bark, often with needle-like leaves for resilience against snow.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of ecology and the taxonomic ranks of organisms, including kingdom, phylum, and class. It serves as an introduction to understanding environmental systems and the classification of living beings based on observable features. Test your knowledge of these essential ecological principles.