Classification and Taxonomy

Binomial Nomenclature

A system of naming organisms using two terms, the first indicating the genus and the second indicating the species.

Genus

The first part of the scientific name in binomial nomenclature, representing a broader category encompassing multiple species.

Species

The second part of the scientific name in binomial nomenclature, representing a specific individual organism.

Eukarya

The domain that includes organisms with eukaryotic cells, which possess a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Animalia

The kingdom that includes all animals, characterized by being multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that typically have the ability to move.

Chordata

The phylum that includes all animals with a backbone, such as mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Mammalia

The class that includes all mammals, characterized by the presence of mammary glands and hair or fur.

Carnivora

The order that includes meat-eating mammals such as cats, dogs, and bears.

Felidae

The family of mammals that includes all species of cats, such as lions, tigers, and leopards.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in organisms classified under the domains Bacteria and Archaea.

Kingdom Eubacteria

The kingdom within the domain Bacteria that includes common bacteria, such as E. coli.

Archaea

A kingdom of prokaryotic organisms that can survive in extreme environments, lacking peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Protista

A kingdom within the domain Eukarya that includes single-celled organisms, like amoebas and paramecia.

Taxa

The levels of classification in taxonomy, such as domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.

Classification Problems

Issues encountered in early classification methods that relied solely on physical features, leading to misclassification.

DNA Analysis

A modern technique used in classification and taxonomy to determine the relatedness of species based on their genetic material.

Common Names

Names used in everyday language for organisms, which can often be misleading or confusing.

Taxonomy Levels

Hierarchical classifications that organize living organisms based on shared characteristics.