Chapter 1 – The Living World: Essential Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Chapter 1, “The Living World,” focusing on taxonomy, nomenclature and characteristics of living organisms.

Taxonomy

The science of naming, describing and classifying organisms into groups based on shared characteristics.

Systematics

The branch of biology that studies organismal diversity and evolutionary relationships, integrating taxonomy, phylogeny and classification.

Taxon

Any taxonomic unit at any level of hierarchy (e.g., species, genus, family).

Taxonomic Hierarchy

The orderly arrangement of taxonomic ranks from lowest to highest: Species → Genus → Family → Order → Class (animals) / Division (plants) → Phylum → Kingdom → Domain.

Species

The basic unit of classification; a group of similar individuals capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Genus

A group of closely related species that share common characteristics.

Family

A category containing one or more related genera; plant family names end with the suffix “-aceae.”

Order

A taxonomic rank composed of related families; in plants many order names end with “-ales.”

Class

A rank that groups related orders; in animals, class sits below phylum.

Division

The plant taxonomic rank equivalent to phylum in animals.

Phylum

A major taxonomic category below kingdom, grouping related classes in animals.

Kingdom

One of the highest taxonomic ranks; groups related phyla/divisions (e.g., Plantae, Animalia).

ICBN

International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, rules governing scientific naming of plants (now ICN).

ICZN

International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, rules governing scientific naming of animals.

Binomial Nomenclature

Two-word scientific naming system (Genus + specific epithet) developed by Linnaeus.

Linnaeus

Carl Linnaeus, ‘Father of Taxonomy,’ who formalised binomial nomenclature.

Taxonomic Key

An analytical tool using paired, mutually exclusive statements (couplets) to identify organisms.

Couplet

Each pair of contrasting statements in a dichotomous key that directs the user to the next step or identification.

Monograph

A detailed, comprehensive study of a single taxonomic group, often a genus or family.

Herbarium

A collection of pressed, dried, and mounted plant specimens used for reference in taxonomy.

Botanical Garden

An institution that grows living plants for scientific study, conservation and public display.

Zoological Park

A facility that maintains living animals for study, conservation and public education.

Flora

A systematic account or list of plant species of a particular region or period.

Fauna

The animal life of a particular region or time.

Vegetation

The collective plant cover of an area, without regard to species identity.

Exotic Species

A species introduced, intentionally or accidentally, from outside its native range (e.g., Eichhornia crassipes).

Endemic Species

A species native to, and restricted to, a particular geographical region (e.g., Rauwolfia serpentina in India).

Biodiversity

The variety of living organisms, encompassing species, genetic and ecosystem diversity.

Metabolism

The sum total of all chemical reactions occurring within a living organism.

Growth (Biological)

An irreversible increase in size and mass of a living organism through cell division and expansion.

Reproduction

The biological process by which living organisms give rise to offspring, ensuring continuity of species.

Defining Characteristics of Life

Essential features such as metabolism, cellular organisation, reproduction and response to stimuli.

Polymoniales

An order within class Magnoliopsida that includes families like Solanaceae.

Solanaceae

The nightshade family of flowering plants, including genera Solanum, Capsicum, Nicotiana, etc.

Solanum tuberosum

Scientific name of potato; species within genus Solanum.

Brassica campestris Linn.

Scientific name (with author citation) of field mustard; ‘Linn.’ indicates Linnaeus as the naming authority.

Taxonomic Aids

Tools or facilities (herbaria, museums, keys, botanical gardens, zoological parks) that help in classification and study of biodiversity.