Domains and Kingdoms

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Taxonomy Noun

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[tak-son-uh-mee]

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Taxonomy

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The science of defining, naming, and classifying groups of biological organisms based on their shared characteristics and evolutionary history.

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Example: This diagram shows taxonomy as a hierarchy for classifying life, starting from the broad 'Domain' and getting more specific down to 'Species'.

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Domain Noun

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[doh-meyn]

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Domain

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The highest and most fundamental level in the hierarchical system of biological classification, ranking above the kingdom level.

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Example: This diagram shows that a Domain, like Eukarya, is a major classification level that contains several different Kingdoms, such as Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

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Kingdom Noun

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[king-duhm]

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Kingdom

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The second highest taxonomic rank in biological classification, positioned just below the domain level in the hierarchy of life.

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Example: This diagram shows the five major kingdoms of life (Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Monera), which are the main categories for classifying living organisms.

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Prokaryote Noun

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[pro-kar-ee-oht]

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Prokaryote

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A microscopic single-celled organism that lacks a distinct nucleus and other specialized membrane-bound organelles within its cellular structure.

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Example: This diagram shows the structure of a bacterium, a type of prokaryote, highlighting key parts like the nucleoid (DNA) instead of a true nucleus.

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Eukaryote Noun

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[yoo-kar-ee-oht]

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Eukaryote

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An organism consisting of a cell or cells in which the genetic material is enclosed within a distinct nucleus.

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Example: This diagram shows a cell nucleus, the membrane-bound organelle containing genetic material that defines a eukaryotic cell and distinguishes it from a prokaryotic cell.

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Nucleus Noun

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[noo-klee-uhs]

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Nucleus

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A dense, membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's chromosomes and controls its growth and reproduction.

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Example: This diagram shows a cutaway view of a cell's nucleus, labeling its key parts like the nucleolus and chromatin, which contains genetic material.

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Organelle Noun

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[or-guh-nel]

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Organelle

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Any of a number of organized or specialized structures found within a living cell that perform specific, vital functions.

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Example: This diagram shows a cell with its internal parts, called organelles, labeled. Each organelle, like the nucleus or mitochondrion, has a specific job.

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Unicellular Adjective

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[yoo-ni-sel-yuh-ler]

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Unicellular

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Describing an organism that is composed of only a single cell, which must perform all of its vital functions.

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Example: An amoeba is a classic example of a unicellular organism, meaning its entire body is made up of just one single cell.

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Multicellular Adjective

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[muhl-tee-sel-yuh-ler]

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Multicellular

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Describing an organism that is composed of many different cells, which are often organized into specialized tissues and organs.

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Example: This image shows that a large organism, like an elephant, is made up of many tiny building blocks called cells, which is what 'multicellular' means.

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Autotroph Noun

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[aw-toh-trohf]

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Autotroph

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An organism that can produce its own food from inorganic substances, typically using light or chemical energy sources.

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Example: This diagram shows a plant, an autotroph, using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make its own food (glucose) through the process of photosynthesis.