Chapter 1 Classifying Life's diversity (Defs.) Flashcards
The system of giving a two-word Latin name to each species- the first part is the genus and the second part is the species.
Binomial nomenclature
The grouping of organisms based on a set of criteria that helps to organize and indicate evolutionary relationships.
Classification
Taxonomic group of a closely related species.
Genus (plural genera)
The branch of biology that deals with the structure or form of organisms.
Morphology
The evolutionary history of a species.
Phylogeny
A level in a classification scheme, such as phylum or order.
Rank
A group of organisms that can interbreed in nature and produce fertile offspring.
Species
The branch of biology that identifies, names, and classifies species based on natural features.
Taxonomy
An organism (or organisms) from which other groups of organisms are descended.
Ancestor
The branch of biology dealing with the physical and chemical functions of organisms, including internal processes.
Physiology
An organism that captures energy from sunlight (or sometimes non-living substances) to produce its own energy-yielding food.
Autotroph
An identification tool consisting of a series of two-part choices that lead the user to a correct identification.
Dichotomous key
A larger, complex type of cell that does have a membrane-bound nucleus.
Eukaryotic
An organism that cannot make its own food and gets its nutrients and energy from consuming other organisms.
Heterotroph
A smaller, simple type of cell that does not have a membrane-bound nucleus.
Prokaryotic
The variety of ecosystems in the biosphere.
Ecosystem diversity
The variety of heritable characteristics (genes) in a population of interbreeding individuals.
Genetic diversity
The variety and abundance of species in a given area.
Species diversity
