Finding Order in Biodiversity

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the goals of binomial nomenclature and taxonomy.
  • Explain how Linnaeus grouped species into larger taxa.
  • Identify the six kingdoms of life as they are now identified.

Binomial Nomenclature

  • Definition: A formal system of naming species where each species is given a two-part name consisting of the genus name and the species identifier.
  • Examples:
    • Ursus maritimus
    • Ursus (Genus)
    • maritimus (species)
    • Ursus arctos
    • Ursus (Genus)
    • arctos (species)

The Linnaean Classification System

  • Overview: A hierarchical system for classifying living organisms.
  • Example:
    • Species: Camelus bactrianus
    • Genus: Camelus
    • Family: Camelidae
    • Order: Artiodactyla
    • Class: Mammalia
    • Phylum: Chordata
    • Kingdom: Animalia

Classification Changes With New Discoveries

  • Examples of Groups Reviewed:
    • Barnacles
    • Limpets
    • Crab

Changing Ideas About Kingdoms

  • Historical Overview:
    • Kingdoms of Life: Evolved from simple classifications in the 1700s to today's six kingdom model.
  • Phases of Classification:
    • 1700s: Initial classifications
    • Late 1800s: Expansion and refinement of kingdoms
    • 1950s: Further advancements with the discovery of microorganisms
    • 1990s: Modern classification systems established

Classification of Living Things

  • Overview of the Domains and Kingdoms:
    • Kingdoms:
    • Animalia
    • Eubacteria
    • Archaea
    • “Protista”
    • Fungi
    • Plantae
    • Cell Type and Examples:
    • Domain: Prokaryote
      • Kingdom Eubacteria
      • Example: Streptococcus, Escherichia coli
    • Domain: Eukarya
      • Kingdom Fungi
      • Example: Mushrooms, yeasts
      • Kingdom Plantae
      • Example: Mosses, ferns, flowering plants
      • Kingdom “Protista”
      • Example: Amoeba, Paramecium, slime molds, giant kelp
    • Domain: Archaea
      • Kingdom Archaebacteria
      • Example: Methanogens, halophiles
    • Cell Structures:
    • Eubacteria: Cell walls with peptidoglycan
    • Archaebacteria: Cell walls without peptidoglycan
    • Fungi: Cell walls of chitin
    • Plantae: Cell walls of cellulose; some possess chloroplasts
    • Animalia: No cell walls or chloroplasts
    • Number of Cells:
    • Eubacteria and Archaebacteria: Unicellular
    • “Protista”: Mostly unicellular; some colonial and multicellular
    • Fungi: Mostly multicellular; some unicellular
    • Plantae: Mostly multicellular; some unicellular green algae
    • Animalia: Multicellular; includes sponges, worms, insects, fishes, mammals
    • Mode of Nutrition:
    • Eubacteria: Heterotroph
    • Archaebacteria: Autotroph or heterotroph
    • “Protista”: Autotroph or heterotroph
    • Fungi: Heterotroph
    • Plantae: Autotroph
    • Animalia: Heterotroph