Taxonomy - Domains and Kingdoms Flashcards

Study Notes

Taxonomy Overview

Taxonomy is the classification system that organizes living organisms based on structure, function, and relationships.
The classification hierarchy consists of several categories, culminating in Domain and Kingdom as two of the broadest levels.

Taxonomic Classification Levels

Domains are the highest classification level, dividing life into three main categories: Eubacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
Kingdoms rank just below domains, with six main classifications: Eubacteria, Archaea, Protista, Plantae, Fungi, and Animalia.

Organism Characteristics

Organisms are defined as living entities, which can be classified into unicellular (one cell) and multicellular (more than one cell) categories.
Autotrophs produce their own food, primarily plants, while heterotrophs obtain nutrition from other sources, cannot make their own food.

Reproductive Strategies

Sexual reproduction involves two parent cells combining genetic material, creating diversity among offspring, typical in eukaryotic cells.
Asexual reproduction only requires one parent cell and produces genetically identical clones, commonly seen in prokaryotic cells.

Domain and Kingdom Breakdown

Eubacteria and Archaea are prokaryotic as they lack a nucleus; Eukarya encompasses all eukaryotic organisms, which have a defined nucleus.
Key characteristics used for classification include cell makeup (unicellular vs. multicellular), nutrient acquisition method (autotroph vs. heterotroph), and reproduction mode (sexual vs. asexual).

Specific Kingdom Characteristics

Kingdom Eubacteria includes all prokaryotes, apart from archaebacteria.
Archaebacteria consist of ancient prokaryotes that thrive in extreme environments such as deep-sea vents.
Kingdom Protista includes eukaryotic organisms not classified as plants, animals, or fungi, often diverse in form and function.
Kingdom Fungi comprises eukaryotes that absorb nutrients from decomposing material in their environment.
Kingdom Plantae encompasses multicellular, eukaryotic, and autotrophic organisms (e.g., plants).
Kingdom Animalia includes multicellular, eukaryotic, and heterotrophic organisms (e.g., animals).

Definitions and Examples

Prokaryotes are unicellular bacteria without a nucleus.
Eukaryotes are typically multicellular organisms with a distinct nucleus.

These notes encapsulate the core aspects of taxonomy concerning domains and kingdoms along with key characteristics of different life forms.

Description

Test your knowledge on the taxonomy of living organisms with these flashcards covering the Domains and Kingdoms classification system. Understand the broad categories used in organizing life forms and their characteristics. Perfect for students of biology and science enthusiasts.