Lessons on Life: Introduction to Biology and Classification

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts, historical figures, branches, and taxonomic systems described in the biology lecture notes.

Biology

One of the fundamental branches of science concerning life and characteristics of organisms, derived from the Greek words 'bios' (life) and 'logos' (knowledge).

Physical Biology

A division of biology where theoretical concepts and investigation on the basis of theory get more importance than the applied side.

Applied Biology

A division of biology where the applied side related to life subjects gets more importance.

Morphology

The study of the form and structure of organisms, divided into external morphology (external description) and internal morphology (internal description).

Taxonomy

The branch of biology discussing the classification of organisms and their related principles.

Physiology

The branch dealing with the biochemical activities of different organs, such as respiration, excretion, and photosynthesis.

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure, arrangement, and function of plant and animal tissues.

Embryology

The branch that discusses gamete origin, embryo development from fertilized eggs, structure, growth, and development.

Cytology

The branch that studies the structure, function, and division of an individual cell in an organism's body.

Genetics

The branch of biology dealing with genes and heredity.

Evolution

The study of the gradual development of life and organisms over successive generations on earth.

Ecology

The science of the reciprocal relationship between organisms and their environment.

Endocrinology

The field of science dealing with the study of endocrine glands and the hormones they secrete.

Biogeography

The study of the geographical distribution of organisms, their evolution, and the classification of earth based on that distribution.

Palaeontology

The science of prehistoric life forms and fossils.

Biostatistics

The science of statistics of organisms.

Parasitology

The science related to parasitism, the life processes of parasitic organisms, and the diseases caused by them.

Entomology

The science related to the study of life, merit, demerit, and control of insects including the damages they cause.

Microbiology

The science related to viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other micro-organisms.

Genetic Engineering

The science associated with gene technology and its uses.

Bioinformatics

Biological information based on computer technology, such as information used in the analysis of cancer.

Carolus Linnaeus

Swedish naturalist ($1707-1778$) who laid the foundations for the modern system of naming organisms and classified the world into two kingdoms: Plant and Animal.

R.H. Whittaker

Scientist who proposed a five-kingdom classification in $1969$ based on cell type, DNA/RNA features, and mode of nutrition.

Margulis

Scientist who in $1974$ introduced a modified and expanded form of Whittaker's classification, dividing the world into two super-kingdoms.

Super kingdom-1: Prokaryota

Consists of primitive, prokaryotic, and microscopic unicellular organisms having no structured distinct nucleus.

Kingdom-I: Monera

Unicellular, filamentous, or colonial organisms lacking nuclear membranes, plastids, or mitochondria; they divide through binary fission; example: Bacteria.

Super kingdom-2: Eukaryota

Organisms with well-structured nuclei that are unicellular or multicellular and live individually or in colonies.

Kingdom-2: Protista

Unicellular or multicellular eukaryotes with well-structured nuclei containing DNA, RNA, and protein; example: Amoeba or Diatom.

Kingdom-3: Fungi

Terrestrial, saprophytic, or parasitic eukaryotes with chitin cell walls and no chloroplasts; they reproduce by haploid spores.

Kingdom-4: Plantae

Photosynthetic eukaryotes with advanced tissue systems and embryonic development; mostly terrestrial flowering plants and archegoniates.

Kingdom-5: Animalia

Eukaryotic, multicellular heterotrophs with complex tissue systems and embryonic layers; their cells lack cell walls and plastids.

Thomas Cavlier-Smith

Oxford University scientist who in $2004$ divided Protista into Protozoa and Chromista and renamed Monera as the Kingdom of Bacteria.

Taxa

Codified units or ranks used in taxonomy for the classification of organisms.

Nested Hierarchy

The system of scientific classification where the topmost rank is a set and lower ranks (Phylum, Class, Order, etc.) are subsets.

Binomial Nomenclature

A two-part naming system where the first part denotes the genus and the second part identifies the species within the genus.

ICBN

International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, established for the naming principles of plants.

ICZN

International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, established for the naming principles of animals.

Rule of Priority

The principle stating that if several scientists name an organism, the earliest legitimate name given by the first scientist is accepted.

Species Plantarum

The book by Carolus Linnaeus ($1753$) that laid the foundation for naming organisms and defined genus and species.