phylogeny and

Taxonomy

Branch of biology that classifies organisms based on shared characteristics.

Taxa

Hierarchical groups used in taxonomy (singular: taxon).

Binomial nomenclature

Two-part scientific naming system; consists of genus (capitalized) and species (lowercase).

Kingdom

The broadest category in the taxonomic hierarchy.

Phylum

The second level of the taxonomic hierarchy, grouping organisms based on major body plans.

Class

The third level in the taxonomic hierarchy, grouping related orders.

Order

The fourth level in the taxonomic hierarchy, grouping related families.

Family

The fifth level in the taxonomic hierarchy, grouping related genera.

Genus

The sixth level in the taxonomic hierarchy; the first part of the scientific name.

Species

The most specific level in the taxonomic hierarchy; the second part of the scientific name.

Carolus Linnaeus

The father of taxonomy who developed the binomial nomenclature system.

Monera

The kingdom consisting of prokaryotes (bacteria).

Protista

The kingdom consisting of simple eukaryotes.

Clade

A group consisting of a common ancestor and all its descendants.

Phylogeny

The study of evolutionary history and relationships among organisms.

Cladistics

Method of classifying organisms based on shared inherited traits to determine evolutionary relationships.

Cladogram

A branching diagram showing evolutionary relationships.

Node

A point in a cladogram representing a common ancestor or a speciation event.

Sister groups

Two groups that share the most recent common ancestor.

Shared derived character

Traits that evolved in recent ancestors, used to group organisms.

Speciation

The process by which populations develop new distinguishing traits, leading to new species.