Organizing Life and Classification

Science

The two-word (genus and species) naming system for organisms, like homo sapiens

Binomial nomenclature

The two-word genus and species naming system for organisms, like homo sapiens, is binomial nomenclature. It is a scientific system for naming organisms using two names to uniquely identify each species.

A taxonomic grouping of similar orders

Class

A taxonomic grouping of similar orders. Class. In science, a class is a group in biological classification that includes similar orders of organisms.

Grouping things by similarity

Classification

Grouping things by similarity. Classification. In science, classification is the process of organizing items or concepts into categories based on shared characteristics.

In taxonomy, a group below an order and above a genus

Family

In taxonomy, a group below an order and above a genus is a family. In Science, a family is a category used to group similar organisms that share common characteristics and ancestry.

A group made up of similar species

Genus

A group made up of similar species. genus. In Science, a genus is a category that groups together species that are closely related and share common characteristics.

The largest group into which an organism can be classified

Kingdom

The largest group into which an organism can be classified is a kingdom. In Science, a kingdom is a broad category used to classify and organize all living things based on similar characteristics.

A taxonomic group that consists of related families

Order

A taxonomic group that consists of related families. Order. In simple terms, an order is a classification rank used in biology to organize and group related families of organisms.

A taxonomic group within a kingdom, it is divided into classes

Phylum

A taxonomic group within a kingdom, it is divided into classes. Phylum. In simple terms, a phylum is a large grouping of related organisms, ranking above class and below kingdom in biological classification.

The scientific classification and naming of organisms

Taxonomy

The scientific classification and naming of organisms. Taxonomy. Taxonomy is the science of categorizing and naming living things based on their characteristics.

A biological classification system based on evolution from a shared ancestral line

Cladistics

A biological classification system based on evolution from a shared ancestral line. Cladistics. Cladistics is a method of organizing living things by tracing their lineage back to common ancestors.

A branching diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships between species

Cladogram

A branching diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships between species. Cladogram. A cladogram is a chart that shows how different species are related based on their evolutionary history.

The evolutionary history of an organism and related species

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history of an organism and related species. Phylogeny. Phylogeny is the study of how different species are related through their evolutionary history.

A unicellular or multicellular organism that is not plant, animal or fungus

Protist

A unicellular or multicellular organism that is not plant, animal, or fungus. Protist. Protists are diverse, mostly single-celled organisms that live in water or moist environments and can perform their own essential life processes.

The highest taxonomic group, it is divided into kingdoms

Domain

The highest taxonomic group, it is divided into kingdoms. Domain. In simple terms, a domain is the broadest category in the classification of life, grouping organisms based on major differences in their cell structures.

A model that compares DNA mutation rates to estimate how long two species have been evolving independently

Molecular clock

A model that compares DNA mutation rates to estimate how long two species have been evolving independently. Molecular clock. A molecular clock is a tool scientists use to estimate the time of evolutionary change by analyzing DNA mutations.

A domain of unicellular prokaryotes with cell walls, they live in extreme environments

Archaea

A domain of unicellular prokaryotes with cell walls, they live in extreme environments. Archaea are a group of microorganisms that thrive in extreme conditions like hot springs and salty lakes.

A domain of unicellular prokaryotes with cell walls

Bacteria

A domain of unicellular prokaryotes with cell walls, bacteria. Bacteria are tiny living organisms that can be found everywhere, some of which can cause diseases, while others help with processes like digestion and decomposition.

A named group of organisms, like a phylum, genus, or species

Taxon

A named group of organisms, like a phylum, genus, or species. Taxon. In science, a taxon is a category used in the classification of organisms, helping to organize and identify different species.

A feature of a species its ancestors did not have

Derived character

A feature of a species its ancestors did not have derived character. A derived character is a trait that has evolved in a species or group, distinguishing it from its ancestors.

In taxonomy, the domain of all eukaryotes - Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia

Eukarya

In taxonomy, the domain of all eukaryotes - Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. Eukarya is the group of organisms with complex cells that have a nucleus.