Taxonomy, Systematics, and Phylogeny

These flashcards cover key concepts related to taxonomy, systematics, and phylogeny, aiding in understanding the classification and evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Taxonomy

The science of naming and identifying organisms.

Classification

The process of organizing organisms into hierarchical groups.

Systematic Biology

The study that reconstructs evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Linnaean Classification Hierarchy

A hierarchical system for classifying organisms including Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.

Binomial Nomenclature

A two-part scientific naming system developed by Carolus Linnaeus, consisting of genus and species names.

Genus

The first part of a scientific name, always capitalized.

Species

The second part of a scientific name, not capitalized.

Prokaryote

An organism characterized by the absence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryote

An organism that has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Three Domains of Life

The primary categories of life including Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Eubacteria

A kingdom of prokaryotic organisms known as true bacteria.

Archaebacteria

A kingdom of prokaryotic organisms that live in extreme environments.

Eukarya

A kingdom that includes all eukaryotic organisms, which have complex cells.

Dichotomous Key

A tool used to identify organisms based on observable traits.

Molecular Data

Genetic information used to determine evolutionary relationships.

Evolutionary Ancestry

The historical relationship and lineage of organisms through evolution.

Fossil Evidence

Remains or traces of ancient organisms that provide information about the history of life.