Taxanomy Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is taxonomy?
The science of biological classification.
What are the three parts of taxonomy?
Classification, Nomenclature, and Identification.
What is classification?
Arrangement of organisms into taxonomic groups (taxa).
What is nomenclature?
Assignment of names to taxonomic groups.
What is identification?
Process of determining if a particular isolate belongs to a recognized taxon.
Name 4 types of classification systems.
Natural classification, Phenetic classification, Phylogenetic classification, and Genotypic classification.
Describe Natural classification.
Arranges organisms into groups whose members share many characteristics; reflects the biological nature of organisms.
Describe Phenetic classification.
Based on overall phenotypic similarity (morphology and other phenotypic characteristics).
Describe Phylogenetic classification.
Based on probable evolutionary relationships.
Describe Genotypic classification.
Compares genetic similarity between organisms.
What are the three domains of living organisms?
Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
What are the major differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotes have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic cells are generally larger.
Eukaryotic DNA is more complex.
Prokaryote cell walls (if present) are composed of peptidoglycan. Eukaryotes never have peptidoglycan in their cell walls.
Describe the Binomial system of nomenclature.
A system of naming organisms with two names: the genus (italicized and capitalized) and the species epithet (italicized but not capitalized).
What is a “type strain”?
Usually one of the first strains of a species studied, often most fully characterized, but not necessarily most representative.
Give 3 reasons why Taxonomy is important.
Places organisms into meaningful, useful groups, with precise names, facilitating scientific communication.
Essential for accurate identification of organisms.
Allows scientists to organize huge amounts of knowledge.
