Biological Classification

Vocabulary flashcards derived from the notes on Biological Classification.

Aristotle

The earliest classifier who proposed a scientific basis for classification using morphological characters.

Linnaean System

A two kingdom system of classification that divides living organisms into Plantae and Animalia.

Kingdom Monera

The kingdom that includes all prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria.

Five Kingdom Classification

A classification system proposed by R.H. Whittaker that includes Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

Eubacteria

True bacteria characterized by a rigid cell wall.

Archaebacteria

Bacteria living in extreme conditions, with distinct cell wall structures.

Heterotrophic

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

Autotrophic

Organisms that produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Diatoms

Microscopic photosynthetic organisms with silica embedded cell walls.

Protozoans

Single-celled eukaryotes that are mainly heterotrophic.

Mycelium

A network of hyphae forming the vegetative part of fungi.

Chitin

A component of the cell wall in fungi, distinguishing them from plants that have cellulose.

Viroid

An infectious agent smaller than a virus, consisting of free RNA without a protein coat.

Prion

An agent consisting of abnormally folded proteins that can transmit infectious neurological diseases.

Lichens

Symbiotic associations between algae (phycobiont) and fungi (mycobiont).

Alternation of Generations

The life cycle phenomenon where plants have alternating haploid gametophytic and diploid sporophytic phases.

Holozoic Nutrition

The mode of nutrition in animals where food is ingested.

Coccus

Spherical-shaped bacteria.

Bacillus

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Spirilla

Spiral-shaped bacteria.