Taxonomic Classifications and Domains of Life Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering taxonomic ranks, the three domains of life, and the six kingdoms based on the lecture notes.

Taxonomic Classifications

The hierarchical system biologists use to group and organize all living organisms based on shared traits and evolutionary relationships.

Domain

The highest taxonomic rank in which organisms are grouped based on fundamental differences in their genetic make-up.

Vulpes vulpes

The scientific species name for the Red Fox, which belongs to Domain Eukarya, Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Canidae, and Genus Vulpes.

Domain Bacteria

Unicellular prokaryotes that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including organisms like Bacillus and Vibrio cholerae.

Archaea

Micro-organisms similar to, but evolutionarily distinct from bacteria, probably the first cells to evolve, often found living in extreme pressures, temperatures, or salt concentrations.

Halophiles

Microorganisms whose name means "salt-loving," found in highly saline environments such as salt lakes, salt ponds, and the Dead Sea.

Methanogens

A group of archaea that produce methane gas as a result of metabolic activities, living in oxygen-lacking environments such as swamps, marshes, rice fields, sewage treatment plants, and animal digestive systems.

Domain Eukarya

Organisms with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, derived from the Greek words "eu" (meaning "true") and "karyon" (meaning "nut").

Kingdom

The second-highest rank in the biological classification system, below domain and above phylum.

Kingdom Protista

A kingdom of mostly unicellular organisms with a nucleus and cell organelles that usually live in water or damp habitats; derived from the Greek word "protistos," meaning "the very first."

Amoeba

A freshwater protist that moves and captures food using temporary extensions of its cell membrane called pseudopodia or "false feet."

Pseudopodia

Temporary extensions of an amoeba's cell membrane, also known as "false feet," used to move and capture food.

Algae

Simple, plant-like organisms in Kingdom Protista that contain chlorophyll, allowing them to make their own food through photosynthesis.

Euglena

A protist living in freshwater environments such as ponds and ditches, unique for having characteristics of both plants and animals.

Kingdom Archaea

Known to be the oldest living organisms on Earth, able to easily survive under harsh conditions such as the bottom of the sea and volcanic vents.

Lokiarcheota

An example of Kingdom Archaea discovered in deep-sea hydrothermal vents between Greenland and Norway.

Kingdom Fungi

A group of eukaryotic organisms (such as yeast, moulds, and mushrooms) that cannot make their own food and obtain nutrients by absorbing them from dead or living organic matter.

Kingdom Animalia

The largest kingdom, constituting all animals, which rely directly or indirectly on other organisms for nourishment.