Biodiversity and Taxonomy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to biodiversity and taxonomy, aimed at helping students understand the concepts and classification systems surrounding living organisms.

Biodiversity

A large variety of living organisms on our planet as well as the interactions between them.

Species diversity

Variety of species that occur within an area.

Genetic diversity

Genetic variety within a species which allows for a variety of species in different ecosystems.

Ecosystem

Variety of ecosystems that occur within an area.

Endemic species

Species that are found only in a specific area.

Indigenous species

Species that occur naturally in a region.

Exotic/Alien species

Species that do not belong in an area and are brought in.

Megadiverse

Countries that contain the majority of Earth's species and biodiversity.

Ecosystem stability

The ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function in the face of external stress.

Classification system

A method developed to organize and study the diversity of life, grouping organisms by similarities.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms and assigning universally accepted names.

Binomial nomenclature

A two-part scientific name assigned to each species, written in italics or underlined.

Prokaryote

Organisms with cells that do not have true nuclei, lacking membrane-enclosed organelles.

Eukaryote

Organisms with cells that have true nuclei and membrane-enclosed organelles.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction that involves only one parent, resulting in offspring identical to the parent.

Sexual reproduction

Reproduction that involves combining genetic material from two parents.

Monera

Unicellular prokaryotic organisms, some of which are autotrophic and most are heterotrophic.

Protista

A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms, some unicellular and others multicellular, including algae.

Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms, with unicellular yeasts and multicellular molds, that are heterotrophic.

Plantae

Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms with cell walls made of cellulose; primarily autotrophic.

Animalia

Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that are heterotrophic and lack cell walls.

Archaebacteria

A group of microorganisms distinct from bacteria, discovered by Carl Woese, classified under a different domain.