Identifying, Naming and Classifying Species

Flashcards covering key concepts in the identification, naming, and classification of species.

Taxonomy

The science of classification of organisms according to natural relationships into taxa.

Binomial Nomenclature

A standardized naming system created by Linnaeus, made up of the Genus and species.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history of organisms, often determined through DNA evidence.

Taxon

A distinct unit in the classification of organisms.

Hierarchy of classification

The ordering of taxa from most general (Domain) to most specific (Species).

Domain

The highest taxonomic rank, which groups organisms based on major cellular differences.

Species

The most specific taxonomic rank, defining a group that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Morphology

The study of the form and structure of organisms, including body shape and structural features.

Genus

The taxonomic category that ranks above species and below family.

Class

A taxonomic category that ranks above order and below phylum.