Science Classification and Taxonomy Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is classification?

Classification is the process of grouping things based on their similarities.

Why is classification helpful?

Biologists use classification to organize living things into groups so that the organisms are easier to study.

What is taxonomy?

Taxonomy is the scientific study of how living things are classified.

What do you call a scientist who studies taxonomy?

Taxonomist Signup and view all the answers

Describe Linnaeus' system of taxonomy.

Linnaeus devised a system of naming organisms called Binomial Nomenclature, which includes two names: Genus and Species. Signup and view all the answers

Name three reasons scientific names are helpful.

<ol> <li>It makes it easier for scientists to communicate about organisms. 2. It is easier to organize and classify them. 3. It is easier to study.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Linnaeus' system?

Binomial Nomenclature Signup and view all the answers

What is Genus?

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

What is Species?

Species is a group of similar organisms that can mate and reproduce. Signup and view all the answers

How many parts are in a scientific name?

A scientific name has two parts: Genus and Species. Signup and view all the answers

What language are scientific names written in?

Scientific names use Latin words. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Linnaeus use Latin?

Latin was the language scientists used during that time. Signup and view all the answers

Why did scientists expand Linnaeus' system of classification?

Today's classification system uses many levels to classify organisms because Linnaeus' system was not specific enough. Signup and view all the answers

Name two reasons scientists expanded Linnaeus' system.

<ol> <li>Linnaeus' system was too broad. 2. The more classification levels two organisms share, the more characteristics they have in common.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How many domains and kingdoms are there in our modern system?

There are three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Eukarya has four kingdoms: Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a prokaryote?

Prokaryotes are organisms whose cells lack a nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a prokaryote.

Bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is a eukaryote?

Eukaryotes are organisms that contain nuclei. Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of eukaryotes.

Animals, plants, fungi, and protists. Signup and view all the answers

How many levels of classification are there in our modern system?

There are 8 levels of classification: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification order from most general to most specific?

<ol> <li>Domain 2. Kingdom 3. Phylum 4. Class 5. Order 6. Family 7. Genus 8. Species</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is a field guide?

Field guides are books that have pictures and offer brief descriptions of living things to help identify an organism. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it called a field guide?

It highlights the difference between similar-looking organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a field mark?

A field mark is a characteristic useful for species identification, usually in birds, like stripes, spots, or patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dichotomous key?

A dichotomous key uses a series of questions/descriptions to narrow down the identity of organisms and includes no pictures. Signup and view all the answers

How does a dichotomous key differ from a field guide?

A field guide is a book that has pictures to identify organisms quickly, while a dichotomous key requires background knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification and Taxonomy

Classification groups organisms based on their similarities, facilitating easier study.
Taxonomy is the scientific discipline dedicated to the classification of living organisms.
A taxonomist specializes in studying taxonomy.

Linnaeus' System

Linnaeus developed a naming system known as Binomial Nomenclature, which includes two parts: Genus and Species.
Genus refers to a classification grouping of closely related organisms.
Species denotes a group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding and producing viable offspring.

Benefits of Scientific Names

Scientific names allow universal communication among scientists, avoiding confusion that may arise from common names.
They provide a structured way to organize and classify organisms.
Specific naming enhances the study and identification of organisms across various fields.

Modern Classification System

Current systems have expanded beyond Linnaeus' framework due to its broad nature.
Modern taxonomy includes three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.
Eukarya encompasses four kingdoms: Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals.

Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

Prokaryotes are organisms without a nucleus (e.g., bacteria).
Eukaryotes possess a nucleus and include animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Levels of Classification

The modern classification system has eight levels: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
Classification moves from the broadest (Domain) to the most specific (Species).

Identifying Organisms

Field guides contain pictures and brief descriptions to assist in identifying organisms.
Field guides highlight distinguishing features between similar organisms.
Field marks are specific characteristics (like stripes or spots) that aid in species identification.
Dichotomous keys use a series of questions to identify organisms without pictures, requiring some prior knowledge.

Comparison of Identification Tools

Field guides provide visual aids for quick identification, while dichotomous keys necessitate understanding organism characteristics.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of classification and taxonomy in biology with these flashcards. Learn the significance of organizing living things for study and the scientific principles that govern this process. Perfect for students and biology enthusiasts looking to enhance their understanding of organism classification.