Biological Classification and Characteristics of Organisms

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key concepts related to the classification and characteristics of living organisms in biology.

Taxonomy

The branch of biology that names and groups organisms according to their characteristics and evolutionary history.

Hierarchy of Classification

The 7 levels of modern taxonomy: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

Binomial Nomenclature

A two-name system for naming organisms; the first name is the genus and the second name is the species.

Dichotomous Key

A taxonomic key that uses paired statements to describe the physical characteristics of organisms.

Systematics

A system that organizes the diversity of organisms into a phylogenetic tree.

Eukaryotic

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus within a membrane.

Homologous Features

Features that are similar due to shared ancestry.

Cladistics

A taxonomy system that infers relationships based on similarities.

Archaea

A domain of single-celled microorganisms that are prokaryotes and thrive in extreme conditions.

Mycelium

The main body of a fungus, made up of tiny threads called hyphae.

Protista

A group of eukaryotic organisms that don't fit into other kingdoms and can be plant-like, animal-like, or fungus-like.

Fungi

A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms that are essential for life, acting as decomposers and sometimes parasites.

Gymnosperms

Seed-producing plants that do not produce flowers.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that are the most diverse and widespread group of plants.

Extremophiles

Organisms that can thrive in extreme environmental conditions.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria that can produce oxygen.

Cell Wall

A structure surrounding the cell membrane that provides support and protection, often made of peptidoglycan in bacteria.

Symbiosis

A close and often long-term interaction between two different species.

Cladogram

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various species.

Viruses

Non-living entities that cannot carry out cellular functions and do not possess a cellular structure.

Eukaryote

An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles.