characteristics and classifications of living organisms Flashcards
common ancestor
is a species that lived in the past and has given rise to many different types of species
species
a group of organisms that can produce fertile offspring
binomial system
a system of naming species that internationally is agreed upon
genus
a group of species that hare similar features and a common ancestor
kingdoms
one of the major groups into which which all organisms are classified
organic substances
substances who’s molecules contain carbon
chlorophyll
a green pigment that absorbs energy from light
cellulose
a carbohydrate that forms long fibres and makes up cell walls of plants
fungus
an organism whose cells have cell walls but does not photosynthesise
prokaryote
an organism who’s cells do not have a nucleus
protoctist
a singled celled organism or one with very similar cells
hyphae
microscopic threads made of cell linked in a long line that make up the body of fungus
decomposers
organisms that break down organic substances
spores
very small groups of cells surrounded by a protective wall used in reproduction
multicellular
made of many cells
unicellular
made of a single cell
metamorphosis
an organism physical body changes as they get older
pinna
a flap on the ear on the outside of the body that directs sound to the ear
placenta
an organ that connects the growing fetus to its mother
mammary
organs found only in mammals that produce milk
diaphragm
a muscle that separates the chest from the abdominal cavity in mammals that helps with breathing
arthropod
an animal with jointed legs but no back bone
exoskeleton
a supportive structure on the outside of the body
terrestrial
living on land
vestigial
a structure that has evolved to become so small that it is no longer useful
dicotyledons
plants with two cotyledons in their seeds
monocotyledons
plants with only one cotyledon in their seeds