Biological classification 4.3.1 Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the rankings of taxonomy?
Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Define classification
The process of sorting organisms into groups based on their characteristics
What is the scientific study of classification called?
Taxonomy
Why classify?
- Help see the relationships between species
- Make the study of living things more manageable
- Make it easier to identify organisms
Is their overlap in taxonomic levels?
No
What is the basic unit of classification?
Species
What are organisms divided into groups based upon?
Similarities, differences, and evolutionary history (phylogeny)
Describe domain
Highest taxonomic rank
Archaea, Eubacteria, Eukaryote
What are the 3 domains?
Archaea, Eubacteria, Eukaryotes
Describe the 5 kingdoms
Traditionally 5 kingdoms - plantae, Animalia, fungi, protoctista, prokaryote
Describe phylum
Groups organisms according to body plan (backbone or not etc.)
Describe class
Groups organisms to do with general trait (number of legs etc.)
Describe order
Groups according to organisms nature (carnivore/herbivore)
Describe family
Groups of similar genera, based on reproductive characteristics
Describe genus
Groups of closely related species
Describe species
A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
What does the scientific name consist of?
Two latin words (genus and species)
What is the system of naming a species called?
A binomial system
Give an example of a binomial naming system
Cats
- Panthera Leo - lion
- Panthera tigris - tiger
Why can’t we just use common names when scientifically naming a species?
- The same organism may have completely different common names in different parts of one country
- Different common names are used in different countries
