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Classification
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Binomial Nomenclature | The system of naming organisms scientifically, developed by Carolus Linnaeus; consists of the genus and species names. Example: Ursus Maitimus (Polar Bear) |
Kingdom | The highest level of taxonomic classification beneath that of the three domains. Example: Animalia |
Phylum | The taxonomic level below kingdom and above class. Example: Chordata |
Class | The taxonomic level below phylum and above order. Example: Mammalia |
Order | The taxonomic level below class and above family. Example: Carnivora |
Family | Taxonomic level below order and above genus. Example: Ursidae |
Genus | The taxonomic level below the family and above the species; the first part of the binomial nomenclature. Example: Ursus |
Species | A group of organisms that can interbreed to generate fertile offspring. Example: Ursus Maritimus |
Cladogram | A branching diagram representing a hypothesis about the evolutionary descent of groups of organisms from a common ancestor. |
Dichotomous Key | A tool used to classify an organism through a series of questions with only two possible answers. |
Ancestry | The lineage of successive parents and offspring that leads to an organism or species. |
Cladistics | A classification system based on shared characteristics between groups of organisms and their common ancestor. |
Unicellular | Composed of a single cell. Example: Bacteria |
Multicellular | Composed of more than one cell. Example: Animals |
Heterotrophic | An organism that must consume other organisms for energy. Example: Humans |
Autotrophic | An organism that obtains its energy from an abiotic source such as sunlight or inorganic chemicals. Example: Plants |
Chemotropic | An organism that can produce its own nourishment through the process of oxidizing inorganic compounds. |
Eukaryotic cell | A cell with a nucleus and membrane bound organelles. Example: Human cells |
Sexual Reproduction | The reproductive process involving two parents whose genetic material is combined to produce a new organism different from themselves. |
Asexual Reproduction | A method of reproduction that requires only one parent and produces offspring identical to the parent. Example: Binary fission |
Prokaryotic cell | A cell lacking a nucleus or any other membrane-enclosed organelle. Example: Bacterial cells |
Phylogeny | The evolutionary development of a species. |