Chapter 2 And Gravity Vocabulary Flashcards
Classification
The division of organisms into groups, or classes, based on specific characteristics
Taxonomy
The science of describing, naming, and classifying organisms.
Dichotomous Key
An aid that is used to identify organisms and that consists of the answers to a series of questions.
Archaea
In a modern taxonomic system, a domain made up of prokaryotes (most of which are known to live in extreme environments) that are distinguished from other prokaryotes by differences in their genetics and in the makeup of their cell wall; this domain aligns with the traditional kingdom Archaebacteria.
Prokaryotes
Single-called organisms that do not have a nucleus.
Bacteria
In a modern taxonomic system, a domain made up of prokaryotes that usually have a cell wall and that usually reproduce by cell division; this domain aligns with the traditional kingdom Eubacteria.
Eukarya
In a modern taxonomic system, a domain made up of all eukaryotes; this domain aligns with the traditional kingdoms Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
Protista
A kingdom of mostly one-celled eukaryotic organisms that are different from plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.
Protists
Members of the kingdom Protista; single-celled or simple multicellular organisms.
Eukaryotes
All organisms whose cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; belong to the domain Eukarya.
Fungi
A kingdom made up of nongreen, eukaryotic organisms that have no means of movement, reproduce by using spores, and get food by breaking down substances in their surroundings and absorbing the nutrients.
Protozoans
Some animal-like protists.
Algae
Some plantlike protists.
Plantae
A kingdom made up of complex, multicellular organisms that are usually green, have cell walls made of cellulose, cannot move around, and use the sun’s energy to make sugar by photosynthesis.
Animalia
A kingdom made up of complex, multicellular organisms that lack cell walls, can usually move around, and quickly respond to their environment.