Biological Classification - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on biological classification.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms, grouping them based on shared characteristics such as DNA, biomolecules, and cells.

Aristotle

The first scientist to group organisms based on physical characteristics.

Carolus Linnaeus

Swedish botanist (1707–1778) who created the current classification system and developed binomial nomenclature; often called the father of taxonomy.

Binomial nomenclature

The two-word naming system for species using genus and species; Latin; genus capitalized; species lowercase; usually italicized.

Domain

The largest taxonomic rank based on cell type; the three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Kingdom

A major taxonomic rank within a domain; examples include Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, and Protista.

Phylum

A rank within a kingdom grouping organisms by major body plans or features.

Class

A rank within a phylum; a further division of organisms sharing more specific traits.

Order

A rank within a class; groups families with common features.

Family

A rank within an order; contains one or more genera.

Genus

A rank within a family; includes one or more species.

Species

The smallest, most specific unit of classification; organisms in the same species can reproduce, and their offspring are fertile.

Homo sapiens

The binomial name for modern humans (Genus Homo, species sapiens).

Mnemonic for taxonomic ranks

Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup; mnemonic to remember Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

The 3 Domains

The highest level of classification based on cell type: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

The 6 Kingdoms

Bacteria, Archaea, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia; used to classify life within the domain system.

Cladogram

A diagram that shows evolutionary relationships, with older traits at the bottom and newer (derived) traits at the top.

Dichotomous Key

A tool for identifying organisms that uses a series of two-choice questions to guide you to the correct identification.

Homologous structures

Similar bone structures in different species that indicate a common ancestry (e.g., bat wing and human hand bones).

Embryology

The study of embryonic development; similar development patterns suggest relatedness among species.

Fossil Record

Evidence of past life obtained from fossils; used to study ancient organisms (e.g., trilobites, horseshoe crabs).

Hybridization

Interbreeding between different species that can produce hybrids (e.g., zorse).

Binomial nomenclature styling

In print, the genus and species are italicized; genus is capitalized while species is not.

DNA/Protein evidence

Similarities in DNA or protein sequences support classification and relatedness between organisms.

Amoeba proteus (example)

An example species used in taxonomy to illustrate a binomial name (Genus Amoeba, species proteus).

Rhizoid

A hair-like root-like structure that anchors some organisms and helps absorb water.

Sporangium

A structure in fungi and some plants that produces and contains spores.

Spores

Reproductive cells that can develop into a new organism without fertilization.

Stolon

A horizontal stem that connects individual organisms and aids in asexual propagation.

Sporangiophore

A stalk that bears sporangia and releases spores.