Variation Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is classification in biology?
Classification is the process of grouping organisms based on their shared characteristics.
Why is classification important?
Classification helps scientists organize and understand the diversity of life, and makes it easier to study and communicate about different organisms.
What are the five kingdoms of life?
Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists, and Monera (or Bacteria).
What are the main characteristics of the Animal kingdom?
Multicellular, eukaryotic, heterotrophic (consume other organisms for food), lack cell walls.
What are the main characteristics of the Plant kingdom?
Multicellular, eukaryotic, autotrophic (produce their own food through photosynthesis), have cell walls made of cellulose.
What are the main characteristics of the Fungi kingdom?
Mostly multicellular, eukaryotic, heterotrophic (absorb nutrients from their surroundings), have cell walls made of chitin.
What are the main characteristics of the Protist kingdom?
Mostly unicellular, eukaryotic, can be autotrophic or heterotrophic.
What are the main characteristics of the Monera (Bacteria) kingdom?
Unicellular, prokaryotic (lack a nucleus), can be autotrophic or heterotrophic.
What are vertebrates?
Vertebrates are animals with a backbone or spinal column.
Name the five main groups of vertebrates.
Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, Mammals.
What are the characteristics of fish?
Aquatic, have gills for breathing, fins for movement, usually covered in scales.
What are the characteristics of amphibians?
Live both in water and on land, have smooth skin, lay eggs in water, undergo metamorphosis.
What are the characteristics of reptiles?
Have dry, scaly skin, lay eggs on land, breathe with lungs.
What are the characteristics of birds?
Have feathers, lay eggs, are warm-blooded, have wings and can usually fly.
What are the characteristics of mammals?
Have hair or fur, produce milk to feed their young, are warm-blooded, usually give birth to live young.
What is taxonomy?
Taxonomy is the science of classifying and naming organisms.
What is a dichotomous key?
A dichotomous key is a tool used to identify organisms based on a series of paired statements or questions.
How do you use a dichotomous key?
You start at the first step and choose the statement that best describes the organism.
What is variation within a species?
Variation refers to the differences that exist between individuals of the same species.
What is inheritance?
Inheritance is the passing of traits from parents to offspring through genes.
How does inheritance contribute to variation?
Offspring inherit different combinations of genes from their parents, leading to variations in traits.
How does the environment contribute to variation?
The environment can influence the development of traits.
Give an example of a variation in humans that is primarily due to inheritance.
Eye color, hair color, blood type.
Give an example of a variation in humans that is primarily due to the environment.
Scars, language spoken, physical fitness due to exercise.
