Review of Chapter 10 on Taxonomy and Identification of Organisms

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 10 about taxonomy and the classification of organisms.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying and categorizing living organisms.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history and relationship among species.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram that depicts the evolutionary relationships between various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.

Cell Types

Difference between prokaryotic (no nucleus) and eukaryotic (nucleus present) cells.

Three Domains of Life

The major groups in biological classification: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Genus and Species

The two parts of a scientific name; genus is the first part, species is the second.

Biochemical Tests

Laboratory tests used to determine metabolic pathways of organisms.

Selective Media

A type of growth media that inhibits the growth of certain organisms while allowing others to grow.

Differential Media

Growth media that allows for distinguishing between different organisms based on their metabolic activities.

Agglutination Test

A test that uses antibodies to detect the presence of antigens on pathogens.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify DNA sequences for analysis.

Eukaryotic Organisms

Organisms with complex cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotic Organisms

Simple, unicellular organisms that lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Opportunistic Infection

An infection caused by pathogens that take advantage of an opportunity not normally available, such as a weakened immune system.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms.

Autotrophs

Organisms that can create their own food from inorganic sources.

Chemotrophs

Organisms that obtain their energy from chemical compounds.

Phototrophs

Organisms that obtain their energy from sunlight.

Dimorphism

The ability of an organism to exist in two different forms, typically referring to fungi as yeasts or molds.

Helminths

Parasitic worms such as roundworms and flatworms.

Vector-Borne Disease

Diseases that are transmitted to humans via vectors, commonly arthropods like mosquitoes.

Serotype

A distinct variation within a species of bacteria or virus, identified by serological testing.

Dichotomous Key

A tool that allows the user to determine the identity of organisms by answering a series of questions.