Unit 6: Classification & Natural Selection

Front

What are methanogens, thermophiles, and halophiles?

Back

They are unicellular, prokaryotic organisms that thrive in extreme environments and belong to the kingdom Archaebacteria.

Front

What characteristics define organisms in the kingdom Plantae?

Back

Organisms in the kingdom Plantae are eukaryotic, autotrophic, and multicellular.

Front

What is the basis for modern classification of organisms?

Back

Modern classification is based on genetic evidence and homologous structures that indicate common ancestry.

Front

What common characteristic do all animals to the right of the salamander in a cladogram share?

Back

They all have claws or nails.

Front

What theory explains the origin of some organelles in eukaryotic cells?

Back

The theory that some organelles began as prokaryotes engulfed by early eukaryotes.

Front

What is the definition of a cladogram?

Back

A cladogram is a diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on shared characteristics.

Front

What is the significance of homologous structures in classification?

Back

Homologous structures indicate common ancestry and are used to determine evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Front

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Back

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have both.

Front

What is the role of genetic evidence in modern taxonomy?

Back

Genetic evidence helps to clarify evolutionary relationships and improve the accuracy of organism classification.

Front

What are the main characteristics of the kingdom Fungi?

Back

Organisms in the kingdom Fungi are eukaryotic, heterotrophic, and primarily multicellular (except for yeasts).