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.
What is a family in biological classification?
A family is a higher taxonomic rank that groups together related genera.
Name an example of a kingdom within the domain Eukarya.
An example is the kingdom Animalia.
What are the main characteristics of the kingdom Animalia?
Animals are multicellular, heterotrophic, and lack cell walls.
Define the term “endemic species.”
Endemic species are organisms that are native to and found only in a specific geographic area.
What is the role of a taxonomist?
A taxonomist studies and classifies organisms, identifying and naming new species.
What is a subspecies?
A subspecies is a taxonomic category that ranks below species, indicating a distinct population within a species.
What is the difference between natural and artificial classification?
Natural classification is based on evolutionary relationships, while artificial classification is based on arbitrary criteria.
What is morphological classification?
Morphological classification categorizes organisms based on physical characteristics and structures.
What is biochemical classification?
Biochemical classification groups organisms based on similarities in their biochemical processes and molecular structures.
What is the significance of ribosomal RNA in classification?
Ribosomal RNA sequences provide insights into evolutionary relationships among organisms and are used in phylogenetic studies.
What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is a non-native organism that spreads rapidly and causes harm to the environment or native species.
What is a dichotomous key?
A dichotomous key is a tool that allows for the identification of organisms based on a series of choices between contrasting characteristics.
Name an example of a phylum within the kingdom Animalia.
An example is Chordata, which includes vertebrates.
What is the function of a taxonomic key?
A taxonomic key aids in the identification of organisms based on specific traits and characteristics.
What is the significance of DNA sequencing in classification?
DNA sequencing allows scientists to determine genetic relationships among organisms, leading to more accurate classifications.
Define the term “phylogeny.”
Phylogeny is the evolutionary history and relationships among a group of organisms.
What are traits used in classification?
Traits used in classification can include morphological, anatomical, genetic, and behavioral characteristics.
What is the importance of conservation biology in taxonomy?
Conservation biology uses taxonomy to identify and protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.
What is the impact of hybridization on classification?
Hybridization can complicate classification by creating organisms that blur the lines between established species.
What is a clade?
A clade is a group of organisms that includes a common ancestor and all its descendants
What is the role of the International Code of Nomenclature?
The International Code of Nomenclature provides rules for naming organisms to ensure consistency and stability in taxonomy.
What does “polyphyletic” mean in classification?
Polyphyletic refers to a group that does not include the most recent common ancestor of its members, indicating a mixed lineage.
What is a paraphyletic group?
A paraphyletic group includes a common ancestor but not all its descendants.
What is the significance of fossil evidence in classification?
Fossil evidence provides insights into the evolutionary history of organisms and their relationships over time.
Name a characteristic of the kingdom Protista.
Protists are primarily unicellular or simple multicellular organisms that can be autotrophic or heterotrophic.
What is the importance of evolutionary relationships in classification?
Understanding evolutionary relationships helps clarify how species are related and aids in predicting characteristics of organisms.
What is a phylogenetic species concept?
The phylogenetic species concept defines a species as the smallest group of individuals that share a common ancestor.
What is a fossil?
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, providing evidence for evolution and classification.
How do environmental factors influence classification?
Environmental factors can drive adaptation and speciation, affecting how organisms are classified based on their traits.
What is a biological key?
A biological key is a guide used to identify organisms based on observable characteristics and traits.
