Classification of Living Organisms

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the classification of living organisms.

Classification Key

A series of YES or NO questions used to identify unknown organisms and sort them into groups.

Dichotomous Key

A type of classification key where questions are written in a listed form, each answer leads to a different question on a different line.

Binomial Nomenclature

A system of naming living organisms using two Latin words, where the first word is the genus and the second is the species.

Taxonomy

The science of classification of living organisms into groups based on characteristics.

Eukaryotic

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus, including all living things except bacteria.

Prokaryotic

Organisms that do not have a nucleus in their cells, such as bacteria.

Kingdom

The highest taxonomic rank, which includes multiple phyla; the most common classifications are Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

Autotrophic

Organisms that can produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis.

Heterotrophic

Organisms that obtain food by consuming other living things.

Phylum

A taxonomic rank below kingdom and above class, used to classify major groups of organisms.

Class

A taxonomic rank below phylum and above order, used to classify groups of closely related organisms.

Order

A taxonomic rank below class and above family, grouping together families that share certain characteristics.

Family

A taxonomic rank below order and above genus, grouping together related genera.

Genus

A taxonomic rank below family and above species, consisting of species that are closely related.

Species

The most specific level of classification, representing a group of organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

Monocotyledons

Flowering plants that have one seed leaf; examples include corn and lilies.

Dicotyledons

Flowering plants that have two seed leaves; examples include beans and roses.

Invertebrates

Animals without a backbone, which include arthropods, molluscs, annelids, and nematodes.

Vertebrates

Animals that have a backbone, classified into five classes: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and bony fish.

Arthropods

Invertebrates with jointed legs, segmented bodies, and exoskeletons, which include insects, arachnids, crustaceans, and myriapods.

Annelids

Segmented worms characterized by ring-like structures, such as earthworms.

Nematodes

Unsegmented roundworms, many of which are parasitic.

Molluscs

Soft-bodied invertebrates, some of which have shells, like snails and octopuses.