Science Kingdoms and Classification Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is classification?

The naming of organisms

A type of bacteria

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

The study of living things

Who devised the system of naming organisms in the 1750's?

Carolus Linnaeus

What is binomial nomenclature?

The system for naming organisms in which each organism is given a unique, two-part scientific name.

A genus is a classification grouping that consists of unrelated species.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a species?

A group of organisms that are physically similar and can mate to produce offspring. Signup and view all the answers

Why do biologists classify living things?

To organize living things into groups for easier study. Signup and view all the answers

What do prokaryotes lack?

A nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is a eukaryote?

An organism that has a nucleus and DNA enclosed in it. Signup and view all the answers

The four kingdoms are __________, fungi, plants, animals.

Protists Signup and view all the answers

What are autotrophs?

Self-feeders that produce their own food. Signup and view all the answers

What are heterotrophs?

Organisms that must obtain nutrients and food from others. Signup and view all the answers

What is a saprophyte?

Decomposers that feed on dead and decaying organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Unicellular organisms are made up of multiple cells.

False Signup and view all the answers

Multicellular organisms are composed of more than one cell.

True Signup and view all the answers

Match the following kingdoms with their characteristics:

Kingdom Archaebacteria = Uncommon, prokaryotic, unicellular Kingdom Eubacteria = Common, prokaryotic, unicellular Kingdom Protista = Eukaryotic, mostly unicellular Kingdom Fungi = Heterotrophic, may be unicellular or multicellular Signup and view all the answers

What are the three divisions of protists?

Animal-like, plant-like, fungus-like. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major difference between Archaebacteria and Eubacteria?

Archaebacteria have unique ribosome structures and different cell wall chemistry. Signup and view all the answers

What are the eight major levels of classification?

Domain, Kingdom, Phyla, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. Signup and view all the answers

How do taxonomists name an organism?

Using its genus and species name (binomial nomenclature). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification and Taxonomy

Classification groups organisms by similarities for easier study.
Taxonomy involves the scientific study of biological classification processes.
Carolus Linnaeus developed a name system for organisms in the 1750s, focusing on observable features.

Naming Organisms

Binomial nomenclature assigns each organism a unique two-part scientific name.
Genus represents closely related species, while species refers to a group capable of mating and producing fertile offspring.

Purpose of Biological Classification

Biologists classify organisms to streamline study and organization.

Cellular Organization

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound DNA, containing nucleic acids freely within the cell.
Eukaryotes possess a nucleus that encloses DNA.

Kingdoms of Life

Four main kingdoms: Protists, Fungi, Plants, Animals.
Autotrophs are self-feeders (producers), while heterotrophs must obtain food from other sources.
Saprophytes act as decomposers, feeding on dead organisms.

Cell Structures

Unicellular organisms consist of a single cell, while multicellular organisms contain multiple cells.
Colonial organisms are composed of many single cells grouped together.

Kingdom Archaebacteria

Archaebacteria are prokaryotic, unicellular, can be autotrophic or heterotrophic, and thrive in extreme conditions.
They resemble the earliest forms of life on Earth.

Kingdom Eubacteria

Eubacteria are common prokaryotic microorganisms, found in diverse environments and can also be autotrophic or heterotrophic.

Differences between Archaebacteria and Eubacteria

Archaebacteria possess unique ribosomal structures and chemically distinct cell walls compared to Eubacteria's regular cell walls.

Kingdom Protista

Often called the "junk pile" kingdom as it includes various organisms that don’t fit other kingdoms.
Mostly unicellular, Eukaryotic, with both autotrophic and heterotrophic members.

Divisions of Protists

Animal-like protists ingest food and can move (e.g., amoeba).
Plant-like protists are photosynthetic and may have colored pigments (e.g., algae).
Fungus-like protists exist in moist environments (e.g., slime molds).

Kingdom Fungi

Fungi can be unicellular or multicellular, are heterotrophic by absorption, eukaryotic, and cannot move independently.

Kingdom Plantae

Multicellular, eukaryotic, autotrophic organisms that are photosynthetic and cannot move on their own (e.g., moss, ferns).

Kingdom Animalia

Multicellular, eukaryotic, heterotrophic organisms capable of movement at some life stage (e.g., insects, mammals).

Criteria for Classification

Organisms are classified based on cell characteristics, nutrition, complexity, breeding abilities, and common ancestry.

Levels of Classification

Eight hierarchical classification levels: Domain, Kingdom, Phyla, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species, with Domain being the least specific and Species the most specific.

Naming Principles

Taxonomists name organisms using genus and species names (binomial nomenclature).
Unique names ensure no two organisms share the same identifier, with precedence given to the first published name.

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Description

Test your knowledge with flashcards on kingdoms and classification in science. This quiz covers important terms, such as classification, taxonomy, and the contributions of Carolus Linnaeus. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of the classification of living organisms.