Classification Basics
What is classification in biology?
Classification is the process of grouping organisms based on shared traits.
How do scientists classify organisms?
Scientists classify organisms based on similarities in physical structures and behaviors.
What are the three domains of life?
The three domains of life are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
What are the four kingdoms of Eukarya?
The four kingdoms of Eukarya are Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals
What is an animal phylum?
An animal phylum is a major grouping of animals based on body structure (e.g., Chordata, Arthropoda, Mollusca).
What is taxonomy?
Taxonomy is the science of naming and classifying organisms.
Name one key feature used to classify animals.
One key feature used to classify animals is body symmetry (bilateral, radial, or asymmetrical).
How are bacteria and archaea different?
Bacteria have peptidoglycan in their cell walls, while archaea do not and often live in extreme environments.
How do fungi differ from plants?
Fungi decompose organic material and do not perform photosynthesis, unlike plants.
Give an example of a major plant division.
An example of a major plant division is Angiosperms (flowering plants) or Gymnosperms (cone-bearing plants).
What are the three domains of life?
The three domains of life are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
How do plants and animals differ in classification?
Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, while animals consume other organisms for energy.
What characteristics define eukaryotic cells?
Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
What are key characteristics of protists?
Protists are a diverse group; some are plant-like (algae), some are animal-like (amoebas), and others are fungus-like (slime molds).
What features are used to classify animal phyla?
Animal phyla are classified based on body structure, symmetry, presence of a backbone, and method of reproduction.
How do scientists use classification to study biodiversity?
Classification helps scientists organize and study biodiversity by grouping similar organisms.
Compare physical features used to classify vertebrates and invertebrates.
Vertebrates have a backbone (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals); invertebrates do not (insects, mollusks, cnidarians, etc.).
Provide an example of an organism from each domain.
Examples: Bacteria – E. coli, Archaea – Halobacteria, Eukarya – Humans.
Compare the classification of plants and fungi.
Plants are autotrophic, have cell walls, and reproduce via spores or seeds, while fungi absorb nutrients and have chitin in their cell walls.
How do scientists classify plants based on reproductive structures?
Plants are classified by vascular vs. nonvascular systems and how they reproduce (seeds, spores, flowers).
Why is binomial nomenclature important in classification?
Binomial nomenclature gives each organism a two-part scientific name, making it universally recognized.
How do scientists classify organisms that do not fit easily into one category?
Scientists use DNA, embryology, and evolutionary history to classify difficult organisms.
How does molecular evidence support classification of domains?
Scientists compare DNA sequences and proteins to show evolutionary relationships between domains.
Explain why some protists are similar to both plants and animals.
Some protists, like Euglena, have characteristics of both plants (chloroplasts for photosynthesis) and animals (ability to move).
How do scientists classify invertebrates into different phyla?
Invertebrates are grouped into different phyla based on body structures, such as segmented bodies (Annelida), soft bodies with shells (Mollusca), or jointed legs (Arthropoda).