The Tree of Life: Taxonomy and Domains

Comprehensive practice questions and answers covering taxonomy, cell types (prokaryotes and eukaryotes), and the domains Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya (Protista and Animalia).

What is the definition of Taxonomy?

The study of naming and classifying organisms.

Who is known as the 'father of taxonomy' and proposed the system of classification?

Carl Linnaeus

What is the two-part naming system (genus and species) used to name organisms like Homo sapiens?

Binomial nomenclature

How is a prokaryote defined in terms of structure?

A single-celled organism that does not have membrane-bound organelles and contains DNA loosely in the cytoplasm.

What is the name of the specific irregular-shaped region where a prokaryote's DNA is concentrated?

The nucleoid

What distinguishes eukaryotes from prokaryotes?

They are known as 'complete cells' that contain membrane-bound organelles and a true nucleus.

What spherical-shaped bacteria (Cocci) is the cause of strep throat?

Streptococcus

What are the common symptoms and characteristics of a Staphylococcus aureus infection?

Skin blisters, inflammation, and milky fluid-like 'pus'.

Which species of Escherichia coli is harmful and causes diarrhea?

Shiga-toxin E. coli

What is a 'good bacteria' rod-shaped example that is found in Erceflora and probiotic drinks?

Bacillus clausii

Which bacteria is the primary culprit behind acne breakouts by eating skin oil?

Cutibacterium acnes

Where is the spiral-shaped bacteria Leptospira typically found before infecting a human via an entry point?

In the urine or feces of rats.

What spiral bacteria is responsible for causing stomach ulcers?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

Which group of bacteria is known as 'blue-green algae' and are the only bacteria capable of photosynthesis?

Cyanobacteria

Historically, what percentage of the oxygen in the atmosphere was produced by cyanobacteria?

$$20\%$$

What does the term 'algae bloom' refer to and why is it dangerous?

An overpopulation of algae that is dangerous because it blocks sunlight.

What are the three specific types of Archaeans mentioned based on their extreme environments?

Halophiles (salt-loving), Thermophiles (heat-loving), and Methanogens (methane-releasing).

How do Amoeba alter their shape to move or feed?

By extending 'pseudopods,' which means 'false feet'.

What hair-like structures do Paramecium use for movement?

Cilia

Which unicellular protists are autotrophs that specifically produce oxygen?

Diatoms

What organism looks like tall underwater grass and is an autotrophic protist, not a plant?

Kelp

What organism is the Earth's greatest producer of oxygen, yielding $50\%$ to $70\%$ of the supply?

Phytoplankton

What is the toxic ecological phenomenon caused by an overpopulation of dinoflagellates?

Red tide

How do organisms in Kingdom Animalia typically acquire nutrients?

They are multicellular heterotrophs that acquire nutrients by ingestion.

True or False: Blue-green algae belong to the eukaryotic domain.

False. They are Cyanobacteria, which belong to Domain Bacteria (prokaryotes).

Would a Thermophile single-celled organism have its DNA enclosed in a membrane-bound nucleus?

No, because Thermophiles belong to Domain Archaea, which are prokaryotes and lack membrane-bound organelles.