Taxonomy

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Taxonomy Noun

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[tak-son-uh-mee]

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Taxonomy

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The scientific discipline of classifying organisms and assigning each a universally accepted name based on shared characteristics.

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Example: This diagram shows taxonomy as a hierarchy, organizing life from general categories like 'Kingdom' down to the most 'Specific' level, 'Species'.

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Classification Noun

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[klas-uh-fi-kay-shuhn]

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Classification

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The systematic arrangement of organisms into hierarchical groups based on their similarities and evolutionary relationships.

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Example: This diagram shows the taxonomic ranking system, where living things are sorted into groups from broad (Domain) to very specific (Species), illustrating classification.

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Binomial Nomenclature Noun

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[bahy-noh-mee-uhl noh-muhn-kley-cher]

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Binomial Nomenclature

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A formal system of naming species whereby each name is composed of two parts, the genus and species.

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Example: This diagram shows that binomial nomenclature is a two-part scientific naming system, breaking down the tiger's name (Panthera tigris) into its Genus and Species.

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Genus Noun

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[jee-nuhs]

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Genus

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A taxonomic rank above species and below family, grouping closely related species that share a common ancestor.

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Example: This diagram shows that Genus is a specific level of classification in taxonomy, more specific than Family (Hominidae) and broader than Species (Sapiens).

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Species Noun

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[spee-sheez]

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Species

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A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding to produce fertile offspring.

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Example: This image shows three different animals, each with its unique two-part scientific name, highlighting that the second part identifies the specific species.

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Clade Noun

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[kleyd]

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Clade

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A group of organisms that are believed to have evolved from a common ancestor, according to cladistic principles.

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Example: This diagram shows that a clade is a group of organisms that includes one common ancestor and all of its descendants, like the group in the blue box.

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Phylogenetic Tree Noun

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[fahy-loh-juh-net-ik tree]

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Phylogenetic Tree

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A branching diagram that illustrates the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based upon their shared characteristics.

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Example: This diagram shows how organisms are related through evolution. The branches represent common ancestors, and labels like 'Lungs' mark where new traits appeared.

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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 of organism classification, ranking above the kingdom in biological taxonomy.

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Example: A Domain is the highest level of life classification. This diagram shows the Domain Eukarya, which contains the kingdoms for protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

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Prokaryotic Adjective

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[proh-kar-ee-ot-ik]

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Prokaryotic

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Describing a microscopic single-celled organism that has neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles.

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Example: This diagram shows a prokaryotic cell, like a bacterium, which lacks a true nucleus. Its genetic material (DNA) is located in a nucleoid region.

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Eukaryotic Adjective

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[yoo-kar-ee-ot-ik]

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Eukaryotic

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Describing an organism whose cells contain a nucleus enclosed within a nuclear envelope and other membrane-bound organelles.

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Example: This diagram shows a cell's nucleus, which contains the genetic material (chromatin). Organisms with cells that have a nucleus are called eukaryotes.