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Classification
Classification for Biology (8th grade)
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Binomial Nomenclature | The system of naming organisms scientifically, developed by Carolus Linnaeus; consists of the genus and species names |
Kingdom | The highest level of taxonomic classification beneath that of the three domains |
Phylum | The taxonomic level below kingdom and above class |
Class | The taxonomic level below phylum and above order |
Order | The taxonomic level below class and above family |
Family | The taxonomic level below order and above genus |
Genus | The taxonomic level below the family and above the species; the first part of the binomial nomenclature |
Species | A group of organisms that can interbreed to generate fertile offspring |
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 organism |
Multicellular | Composed of more than one cell |
Heterotrophic | An organism that must consume other organisms for energy |
Autotrophic | An organism that obtains its energy from an abiotic source such as sunlight or inorganic chemicals |
Chemotrophic | 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 |
Prokaryotic Cell | A cell lacking a nucleus or any other membrane-enclosed organelle |
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 |
Phylogeny | The evolutionary development of a species |