biological classification Flashcards
: What is biological classification?
Biological classification is the systematic categorization of living organisms based on shared characteristics.
What is taxonomy?
Taxonomy is the science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms.
Who is known as the father of taxonomy?
Carl Linnaeus is known as the father of taxonomy.
What is the highest taxonomic rank?
The highest taxonomic rank is the domain
Name the three domains of life
The three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
What is a species?
A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
What are the five kingdoms of life according to the Whittaker system?
The five kingdoms are Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
What is binomial nomenclature?
Binomial nomenclature is a two-part naming system for species, consisting of the genus name and species identifier.
How are organisms grouped in a taxonomic hierarchy?
Organisms are grouped into hierarchical levels: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
What is a genus?
: A genus is a group of closely related species that share a common ancestor.
What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and organelles.
Name a characteristic of Archaea.
Archaea are known for thriving in extreme environments, such as hot springs and salt lakes.
: What are the main characteristics of fungi?
Fungi are heterotrophic, have cell walls made of chitin, and reproduce via spores.
What distinguishes plants from other kingdoms?
Plants are autotrophic, performing photosynthesis using chlorophyll and have cell walls made of cellulose.
What is a phylogenetic tree?
A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among organisms.
What is cladistics?
Cladistics is a method of classification based on common ancestry and branching evolutionary lineages.
Define homologous structures.
Homologous structures are body parts in different species that share a common ancestry, despite differing functions.
What are analogous structures?
Analogous structures are body parts in different species that have similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.
What is a taxon?
A taxon is a group of one or more populations of organisms that form a unit in a classification system.
What is the significance of the Linnaean system?
The Linnaean system provides a standardized method for naming and classifying organisms, promoting clear communication in biology.