Diversity in the Living World

Flashcards on the functions and characteristics of living organisms, biodiversity, classification, nomenclature, and the three domains of life.

Growth

A function of living organisms.

Metabolism

A function of living organisms; a response to stimuli.

Reproduction

A function of living organisms.

Nutrition

A characteristic of living organisms.

Respiration

A characteristic of living organisms.

Excretion

A characteristic of living organisms.

Consciousness

A characteristic of living organisms.

Adaptation

A characteristic of living organisms.

Homeostasis

Maintaining constant internal conditions; a characteristic of living organisms.

Life Span

A characteristic of living organisms.

Death

A characteristic of living organisms.

Biodiversity

The diverse organisms present on Earth.

Classification

The practice of placing different organisms into distinct groups based on similarities and differences.

Nomenclature

System of naming organisms.

ICBN

International Code for Botanical Nomenclature.

ICZN

International Code for Zoological Nomenclature.

Domain Classification

The first classification, proposed by Dr. Woese.

Domain

A taxonomic hierarchy above kingdom.

Archaea

Oldest bacteria that can survive in extreme conditions.

Bacteria

A domain of life.

Eukarya

A domain of life.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA; differences in sequences are the basis of the Domain System.

mRNA

Messenger RNA.

tRNA

Transfer RNA.

Halophile

Salt-loving organism (Archaea) that survives in high marine conditions.

Thermophile

Organism (Archaea) that survives in high temperatures.

Methanogens

A classification of Archaea. E.g., Methanococcus.

Halophiles

A classification of Archaea. E.g., Halobacterium.

Thermophiles

A classification of Archaea. E.g., Thermus aquaticus.

Peptidoglycan

Cell wall of Bacteria made of this

Proteobacteria

A classification of Bacteria, e.g., E. coli, Salmonella.

Cyanobacteria

A classification of Bacteria, e.g., blue-green algae; only autotrophic bacteria because of chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

Eubacteria

A classification of Bacteria, e.g., Bacillus, Clostridium.

Chlamydias

A classification of Bacteria; parasites, e.g., Giardia.

Spirochaetes

Spiral bacteria; a classification of Bacteria.