BIO 102 – General Biology II: Exhaustive Study Notes on the Classification and Diversity of Living Organisms (copy)

Nature of the Living World

Characterized by vast number, ancient history, and complex diversity.

Role of Biology

Encompasses various disciplines to provide a true picture of living organisms through observation and study.

Taxonomy

The study of the general principles and systems of classification.

Linnaeus

A Swedish naturalist whose work forms the basis of modern organism identification and naming.

Binomial Nomenclature

A system for naming organisms using two names: genus (capitalized) and species (lowercase).

Prokaryotes

Simple organisms without true nuclei; included in Kingdom Monera.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with complex cells and true nuclei; include Kingdoms Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

Kingdom Monera

Includes single-celled, microscopic organisms with no definite nucleus.

Kingdom Plantae

Multicellular, non-motile organisms capable of photosynthesis and possessing chlorophyll.

Phylum Bryophyta

Amphibious land colonizers that depend on water for reproduction.

Phylum Arthropoda

The largest phylum with over $700,000$ species, characterized by segmented bodies and jointed appendages.

Vascular Plants

Plants that have vascular tissues for conducting water and nutrients; includes Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms.

Mammalia

Warm-blooded vertebrates characterized by hair, mammary glands, and internal fertilization.

Echinodermata

Marine animals with pentamerous radial symmetry and internal skeletons made of calcium carbonate plates.

Coelom

A body cavity lined by mesoderm found in coelomates.

Diploblastic

Animals with cells arranged in two layers: ectoderm and endoderm.

Triploblastic

Animals with cells arranged in three layers: ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm.

Autotrophic Strategy

Plants maximize sunlight capture and convert light energy into chemical energy.

Amphibia

Cold-blooded vertebrates that transition from an aquatic larval stage to a terrestrial adult stage.