Introduction to Biology: Domains, Taxonomic Hierarchy, and Tree of Life

Flashcards based on the introductory biology lecture covering topics such as antibiotic resistance, phylogenetic trees, taxonomic hierarchy, the three domains of life, prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and the four kingdoms of Eukarya.

Antibiotic Resistance

A condition caused by the overuse of antibiotics where bacteria survive and multiply despite antibiotic treatment.

Phylogenetic Tree

A branching diagram that allows tracing common ancestors and understanding how closely related different organisms are.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

An organizational structure for living organisms consisting of eight levels, ranging from domain to species.

Domain

The most inclusive and complex level of the taxonomic hierarchy.

Species

The least inclusive level of the taxonomic hierarchy, representing the specific scientific descriptor of an organism.

Homo sapiens

The scientific descriptor for humans, where Homo represents the genus and sapiens represents the species.

Three Domains of Life

The three main branches of the phylogenetic tree: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Prokaryotes

Unicellular organisms belonging to the domains Bacteria and Archaea that do not have a nucleus.

Domain Eukarya

The domain containing eukaryotic organisms that possess a true nucleus.

Domain Bacteria

A domain composed of unicellular, prokaryotic organisms that lack a nucleus.

Domain Archaea

A domain composed of unicellular, prokaryotic organisms that lack a nucleus.

Autotroph

An organism that makes its own food, such as plants gathering energy from the sun.

Heterotroph

An organism that obtains food and energy by consuming or ingesting other sources.

Kingdom Protista

The most diverse kingdom within the domain Eukarya, consisting of organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular, and autotrophic or heterotrophic.

Kingdom Animalia

A kingdom within the domain Eukarya composed of multicellular heterotrophs that ingest food.

Kingdom Fungi

A kingdom within the domain Eukarya consisting of natural decomposers, most of which are multicellular.

Kingdom Plantae

A kingdom within the domain Eukarya consisting of multicellular autotrophs that act as producers by gathering energy from sunlight.

Nuclei

The plural form of nucleus.