Biological Classification and Taxonomy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to biological classification and taxonomy.

gyn

female

mamm

breast

homo

man

morph

shape

physi

nature

tax

arrange

zoa

animal

grad

step

nom

name

vert

turn

binomial nomenclature

The naming system for organisms in which each organism is given a two-part name (a genus name and species name).

classification

The process of grouping things based on their similarities.

taxonomy

The scientific study of how living things are classified.

cladogram

A diagram that is based on patterns of shared, derived traits between groups of organisms.

phylogenetic tree

An evolutionary history of organisms represented in a branching diagram to show relatedness.

dichotomous key

A key for the identification of organisms based on a series of choices between two alternative characteristics.

species

The most specific grouping of organisms in the taxonomic system that can mate and produce fertile offspring.

domain

The broadest category of grouping organisms in the taxonomic system.

antibiotic resistance

Bacteria gaining immunity to an antibiotic due to a mutation in one bacterium that then reproduces or shares the beneficial trait.

phylogeny

The evolutionary relationship between organisms.