Human Taxonomy Flashcards

Taxonomy

• Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms based on shared characteristics.
• It encompasses two primary branches: nomenclature (naming organisms) and systematics (organizing organisms into groups).

Nomenclature & Systematics

• Nomenclature refers specifically to the naming conventions used in biology.
• Systematics involves the classification and organization of living things.

Pioneers of Taxonomy

• Carl Linnaeus is credited with developing the biological nomenclature system, creating a framework for naming species.

Binomial System

• The binomial nomenclature system assigns two Latin names to each organism: a generic name (capitalized) and a species name (italicized and lowercase).

Biological Classification Domains

• Three main domains of life exist: Eubacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
• These domains represent the highest level of biological categorization.

Kingdoms of Life

• Life is further divided into five kingdoms: Fungi, Monera, Protista, Plantae, and Animalia.

Characteristics of Life Forms

• Monera: Characterized by being prokaryotic, unicellular, and microscopic.
• Protista: Unicellular and microscopic with eukaryotic cells and membrane-bound organelles.
• Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms that can be unicellular (yeast) or multicellular (molds) and are saprophytic.
• Plantae: Multicellular and primarily autotrophic, utilizing photosynthesis.
• Animalia: Eukaryotic, multicellular, heterotrophic organisms that possess muscle tissue.

Animal Kingdom Overview

• General traits of the animal kingdom include being eukaryotic, multicellular, and having heterotrophic diets, muscle tissues, and nervous tissues.

Chordata Phylum

• Humans belong to the phylum Chordata, characterized by the presence of a notochord.

Notochord Features

• A notochord is a flexible supporting rod that helps in the specialization of body parts and eventually develops into the vertebral structure.

Additional Chordate Characteristics

• Key characteristics include pharyngeal gill slits, a hollow nerve cord, and a post-anal tail.

Development from Features

• Pharyngeal gill slits develop into various structures, including tonsils and glands.
• The hollow nerve cord evolves into the spinal cord and brain, positioned above the notochord.
• The post-anal tail becomes the coccyx.

Mammalia Characteristics

• Mammals possess mammary glands, fur (pili), endothermic properties, and heterodont dentition.

Primata Order

• Humans fall under the order Primata, distinguished by specific dental structures, clavicles, and stereoscopic vision.

Hominidae Family

• The family Hominidae includes species that exhibit bipedalism and a significantly developed cerebral hemisphere, allowing for complex behaviors.

Human Classification

• Binomial name for humans is Homo sapiens.
• Taxonomy levels for humans: Kingdom - Animalia, Phylum - Vertebrata (Chordata), Class - Mammalia, Order - Primates, Family - Hominidae, Genus - Homo, Species - sapiens.

Evolution & Natural Selection

• Evolution is defined as a change in the genetic composition of organisms over generations.
• Natural selection is a key mechanism in evolution, favoring traits that enhance survival and reproduction, commonly referred to as "survival of the fittest."

Explore the fundamentals of human taxonomy with these flashcards. Learn about the classification of organisms, the branches of taxonomy, and key terms like nomenclature and systematics. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of biological classification.