Scientific Classification and Evolution

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering taxonomic classification systems, rules of nomenclature, Chordata and Mammalia groups, the nature of science, and evolutionary theory.

Carolus Linnaeus

A Swedish monk (lived 1707–1778) who developed a system of biological classification based mostly on visual characteristics, grouping organisms by similarities and dividing them by differences.

Binomial System of Classification Hierarchy

The standard hierarchy used to organize living things, ordered from broadest to most specific: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.

Three-Domain System

The modern classification system comprising six kingdoms and three overarching domains: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryota.

Rules of Scientific Nomenclature

Standard guidelines requiring that all taxonomic terms be italicized or underlined, and capitalized, except for the species name.

Species

Traditionally defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Infraspecific Taxa

Classification ranks positioned below the species level, including subspecies, breeds, varieties, races, and strains.

Orconectes virilis

The scientific name of a freshwater crustacean known regionally by many common names, including crayfish, craw dad, mud bug, red-claw, freshwater lobster, freshwater crab, and yabbies.

Giant African Snail

A severe landscape and agricultural pest that can grow up to 8 inches in length, lay 1,200 eggs annually, eat stucco on buildings, and transmit rat lungworm that causes meningitis in humans.

Chordata

A phylum that contains the subphylum Vertebrata, which encompasses five major class groupings: Fish (three classes), Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia.

Mammalia

A vertebrate class containing diverse orders, including Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Carnivora, and Insectivora (classified currently as Eulipotyphla).

Eulipotyphla

The current taxonomic order designation for the mammalian group formerly classified as Insectivora.

Scientific Method

The iterative process of proposing a hypothesis, making predictions, conducting tests, and either refining the hypothesis or integrating it into a broad, consistent theory.

Science (Legal / Overton Criteria)

As defined in 1982 by U.S. District Court Judge William Overton, science is knowledge guided by natural law, explanatory by reference to natural law, testable against the observable world, tentative in its conclusions, and falsifiable.

Scientific Theory

A comprehensive explanation supported by extensive testing and consistent observations that, despite strong acceptance, remains inherently falsifiable.

Creationism

A theological perspective regarding origins that cannot be tested against the natural world and is not falsifiable, disqualifying it from being considered a scientific theory.

Intelligent Design

A concept that blends elements of evolution and creationism by asserting that certain structures in living organisms are 'irreducibly complex' and therefore require the direct intervention of an intelligent being.

Biological Evolution

The non-directed shift in populations over many generations resulting from natural variation and external pressures that influence the reproductive success of different variants.