Classification Systems

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Classification Noun

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[klas-uh-fi-kay-shun]

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Classification

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The process of organizing and grouping things, especially living organisms, based on their shared characteristics and similarities.

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Example: This image shows how living organisms are grouped from general categories like 'Life' to specific ones like 'Species'.

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Species Noun

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[spee-sheez]

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Species

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A group of similar organisms that can mate with each other and produce fertile offspring who can also reproduce.

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Example: The image shows 'species' as the most specific level in biological classification, helping students understand its place in taxonomy.

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Taxonomy Noun

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[tak-sahn-uh-mee]

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Taxonomy

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The scientific study of how living organisms are named, defined, and systematically classified into groups based on shared characteristics.

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Example: The image shows the hierarchy of biological classification, illustrating taxonomy from general (life) to specific (species).

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Binomial Nomenclature Noun

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[by-noh-mee-uhl noh-muhn-klay-cher]

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Binomial Nomenclature

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The two-part naming system for organisms, where each species is given a unique scientific name indicating its genus and species.

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Example: The image shows a tiger with its common name and scientific name, illustrating binomial nomenclature.

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Genus Noun

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[jee-nuhs]

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Genus

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A classification group that ranks above species and contains one or more similar, closely related species of organisms.

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Example: The image shows where 'Genus' fits in the biological classification system, helping students understand its rank above species.

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Domain Noun

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[doh-mayn]

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Domain

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The highest and most broad level of organization in the biological classification system, ranking just above the kingdom level.

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Example: The image shows 'Domain' as a broad category in biological classification, above 'Kingdom'.

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Eukaryote Noun

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[yoo-kair-ee-oht]

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Eukaryote

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An organism whose cells contain a distinct, membrane-bound nucleus that houses its genetic material, or DNA.

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Example: The image shows an animal cell with a nucleus, explaining that eukaryotes have cells with a membrane-bound nucleus.

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Taxonomic Key Noun

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[tak-suh-nom-ik kee]

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Taxonomic Key

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A scientific tool used to identify an unknown organism by presenting a series of paired, descriptive choices.

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Example: A flowchart showing how to identify animals by choosing between paired traits, like fur or feathers.

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Evolution Noun

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[ev-uh-loo-shun]

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Evolution

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The gradual process of change in the inherited traits of a population of organisms over successive generations.

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Example: Different bird beaks show how species evolve to adapt to available food sources.

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Natural Selection Noun

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[nach-er-uhl suh-lek-shun]

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Natural Selection

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The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring than others.

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Example: Different bird beaks show how species adapt to available food sources, illustrating natural selection.