Zoology Lecture Notes - Introduction, Binomial Nomenclature, and Classification

A vocabulary set covering key terms from the Zoology notes, including basic definitions of zoology, binomial nomenclature, Linnaean classification, taxonomic ranks, domain/kingdom systems, naming conventions, ICZN rules, and levels of organization in organisms.

Zoology

The study of animals; a branch of biology concerned with the classification and properties and vital phenomena of animals.

Binomial nomenclature

Two-part scientific name for a species (genus + species); genus is capitalized, species is lowercase; both are italicized.

Linnaean classification

Hierarchical system of classifying organisms into Domains, Kingdoms, Phyla, Classes, Orders, Families, Genera, and Species.

Taxonomic ranks mnemonic

Dumb King Phillip Cried Oh For Goodness Sake (Domains, Kingdoms, Phyla, Classes, Orders, Families, Genera, Species).

Domain Eukarya

Domain containing organisms with true nuclei (eukaryotic cells).

Kingdom Animalia

Animal kingdom.

Phylum Chordata

Chordates possess a notochord.

Subphylum Vertebrata

Vertebrates; organisms with backbones.

Superclass Tetrapoda

Descendants of four-limbed vertebrates.

Class Mammalia

Mammals; animals with mammary glands.

Subclass Theria

Live-birth mammals.

Infraclass Eutheria

Placental mammals.

Order Primates

Primates: monkeys, apes, humans.

Superfamily Hominoidea

Anthropoids; the greater apes and humans.

Family Hominidae

Hominids: humanlike; includes humans and close extinct relatives.

Genus Homo

Humans and closely related extinct species.

Species sapiens

Modern Homo sapiens.

Felis catus

Domestic cat; binomial name for the domestic cat (Genus Felis, Species catus).

Rules for writing scientific names

Genus capitalized and italicized; species lowercase and italicized; genus may be abbreviated to an initial after first use (e.g., F. catus).

ICZN

International Code of Zoological Nomenclature; coordinates a universal system for unique animal names; founded 1895.

New species naming rights

New animal species can be named by anyone, not only scientists.

Latin/Greek origin in names

Many species names originate from Latin or Greek and describe characteristics or habitats.

Commemorative naming examples

Names honoring people, e.g., Gardenia jasminoides (Alexander Garden), Camellia japonica (Joseph Kamel).

Geographic naming examples

Names reflecting places, e.g., Kuhlia sandwicensis (Hawaii), Periplanata americana (American cockroach), Zosterops japonicus (Japanese white-eye).

Loxodonta cyclotis

African forest elephant; cyclotis refers to rounder ears; loxodonta roots relate to a slanted tooth.

Phylogenetic tree

Branching diagram representing the evolutionary history of a group of organisms.

Genus vs. Species (nomenclature)

Genus is the first part; species is the second part; genus is capitalized and italicized; species is lowercase and italicized.

Protoplasmic grade of organization

Unicellular organization where life functions occur within a single cell; protoplasm contains organelles.

Cellular grade of organization

Multicellular organization with cells that may differentiate and specialize.

Cell-tissue grade of organization

Tissues form from aggregations of cells that perform functions.

Tissue-organ grade of organization

Organs formed when tissues come together to perform specific functions.

Organ-system grade of organization

Organs work together to form organ systems that support basic body functions.

Prokaryote vs. Eukaryote (cell type)

Prokaryotes lack a true nucleus; eukaryotes have a defined nucleus.

Five-kingdom classification

Monera, Protista, Plantae, Fungi, Animalia.

Three-domain classification

Domains Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Bacteria cell walls

Rigid cell walls containing peptidoglycan.

Archaea cell walls

Cell walls without peptidoglycan.

Eukaryote cell walls

Cell walls can contain cellulose (plants) or be absent; some protists have cellulose; fungi have chitin.