Biology Notes

Classification

The process of grouping organisms based on shared characteristics.

Shared characteristics

Traits like appearance or behavior used to classify organisms.

Common ancestor

An ancestor from which two or more species have evolved.

Binomial nomenclature

A two-part naming system for species, using genus and species names.

Homo sapiens

The species name for modern humans.

Carl Linnaeus

The father of modern taxonomy who developed a hierarchical classification system.

Taxonomy

The science and art of classifying organisms.

Observable traits

Physical characteristics used for classification, such as fur and reproductive structures.

Genus

A rank in the classification hierarchy grouping similar species.

Species

The basic unit of classification, defined as groups of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Eukarya

Domain that includes all organisms with complex cells.

Tree of life

A metaphor for the relationships among all living organisms based on evolutionary history.

LUCA

Last Universal Common Ancestor, the hypothetical common ancestor of all living organisms.

Hybrid sterility

The condition where the offspring of two different species are infertile.

Mammalia

Class of animals that possess mammary glands, including humans and dogs.

Phylogenetic relationships

Relationships between species based on evolutionary history and common ancestry.

Reproductive compatibility

The ability of organisms to mate and produce fertile offspring, central to defining species.