Biological Classification Flashcards

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to biological classification.

Classification

The systematic categorization of living organisms based on shared characteristics.

Kingdom Monera

The kingdom consisting of prokaryotic organisms, primarily bacteria.

Eukaryotic

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Autotrophic

Organisms that produce their own food using light or chemical energy.

Heterotrophic

Organisms that obtain their nutrients by consuming other organisms or organic matter.

Five Kingdom Classification

Classification system proposed by R.H. Whittaker, which includes Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

Cell wall

A rigid layer of polysaccharides surrounding the cell membrane of some organisms.

Plantae

The kingdom composed of all chlorophyll-containing organisms commonly called plants.

Animalia

The kingdom of multicellular, heterotrophic organisms that lack cell walls.

Viruses

Infectious agents that are non-cellular and can only replicate inside a host cell.

Diatomaceous earth

Sedimentary deposits formed from the cell walls of diatoms, used in various industrial processes.

Mycelium

A mass of fungal hyphae that forms the vegetative structure of a fungus.

Saprohyte

An organism that feeds on decaying organic matter.

Lichens

Symbiotic associations between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria.

Zygospore

A thick-walled resting spore formed by the fusion of two gametes in certain fungi.

Eubacteria

Also known as 'true bacteria', characterized by a rigid cell wall and diverse metabolic capabilities.

Chemosynthetic

Organisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic substances.