Taxonomy and Classification of Organisms

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to taxonomy and classification of organisms.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms and naming them.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Genetic Diversity

The variety of genes within a species that can lead to differences among individuals.

Divergence

The process by which two similar species become increasingly different.

Convergence

The process whereby unrelated species independently evolve similar traits.

Baraminology

The study that examines life based on 'created kinds' as outlined in a biblical worldview.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species.

Cladistics

The classification of organisms based on common ancestry.

Binomial Nomenclature

A formal system of naming species by giving each a name composed of two parts.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism.

Eukarya

One of the three domains of life that contains organisms with eukaryotic cells.

Archaea

Microorganisms characterized by their unique biochemistry and genetics, often found in extreme environments.

Bacteria

Single-celled prokaryotic organisms that can be found in various environments.

Linnaeus

The Swedish botanist who developed the classification system known as binomial nomenclature.