Biodiversity and Classification of Living Organisms

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the biodiversity and classification of living organisms.

Biological Diversity

The variety of life in all its forms, levels, and combinations, understood at three main levels: species, ecosystem, and genetic diversity.

Species Diversity

The number and variety of different species in an area, including species richness and species evenness.

Ecosystem Diversity

The range of different ecosystems in a particular area or region.

Genetic Diversity

The variety of genes and alleles within a species, both within and between populations.

Species Concept

A group of organisms with similar morphological and physiological features that can breed together to produce fertile offspring.

Systematics

The science of classifying organisms to show evolutionary relationships.

Dichotomous Key

A tool used to identify organisms based on observable features.

Binomial Nomenclature

The standard naming of organisms using the genus and species name.

Viruses

Acellular infectious particles that cannot perform life processes independently and require a host cell to reproduce.

Lytic Cycle

The viral replication pathway where viral particles are released during the lysis of the host cell.

Lysogenic Cycle

A viral replication pathway where viral DNA integrates with the host's DNA and can remain dormant before entering the lytic cycle.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simple cells without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells

More complex cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, such as animal and plant cells.

Radial Symmetry

A body plan where parts are arranged around a central axis.

Bilateral Symmetry

A body plan where the organism can be divided into left and right mirror-image halves by only one plane.

Diploblastic Organisms

Animals containing two germ layers; ectoderm and endoderm, such as Cnidarians.

Triploblastic Organisms

Animals where three primary germ layers develop; outer ectoderm, middle mesoderm, and inner endoderm.

Acoelomate Body Plan

Animals lacking a body cavity that separates the body surface from the gut.

Coelomate Body Plan

Animals possessing a body cavity lined with mesodermal tissue.

Metameric Segmentation

The serial repetition of body parts where each segment has its own nerves, blood vessels, and excretory organs.

Cleidoic Egg

An egg with a protective shell and membrane that prevents water loss, allowing development on land.