Classification & Taxonomic Keys

Any characteristic of an organism that makes it better able to survive in its environment. ADAPTATION

The basic unit of structure and function for all living things. CELLS

All the changes undergone by living things as they grow. DEVELOPMENT

The regulation of life- maintaining conditions inside an organism despite changes in its environment. HOMEOSTASIS

The length of time an organism is expected to live. LIFE SPAN

A living thing that exhibits all the characteristics necessary for life. ORGANISM

The reaction of an organism to a stimulus. RESPONSE

Anything an organism responds to, such as, sound, light, heat, vibration, odor, hunger, and so on. STIMULUS

To group ideas, information, or objects, based on their similarities. CLASSIFICATION

A group of one or more species with similar characteristics. GENUS

The highest and largest of the taxonomic categories, including all other categories. KINGDOM

The evolutionary history of an organism. PHYLOGENY

The observable traits of an organism that can be used by scientists to classify them into groups. MORPHOLOGY

The second highest taxonomic category in the animal kingdom. PHYLUM

A group of organisms whose members successfully reproduce among themselves. SPECIES

The great variety of plants, animals, and other organisms on Earth. DIVERSITY

The science of classifying and naming organisms. TAXONOMY

A key containing a detailed list of traits used to identify a specific organism. DICHOTOMOUS

An organism made up of a single cell. UNICELLULAR

An organism made up of two or more cells. MULTICELLULAR

A type of reproduction in which a new organism is produced from one parent. ASEXUAL

Inherited characteristic that may help an organism to survive. ADAPTATION

The group in our classification system with the most members. KINGDOM

The group in our classification system with the most similar organisms. SPECIES

The kingdom with the most complex organisms on earth. ANIMAL

Trees and flowers belong in this kingdom. PLANT

Mushrooms belong in this kingdom. FUNGI

Are organisms in the plant and animal kingdom unicellular or multicellular? MULTICELLULAR

Are organisms in the bacteria kingdom(s) unicellular or multicellular? UNICELLULAR

Are organisms in the protist kingdom mostly unicellular or multicellular? MOSTLY UNICELLULAR (SLIME MOLDS/ALGAE ARE MULTICELLULAR)

Are organisms in the fungi kingdom unicellular or mostly multicellular? MOSTLY MULTICELLULAR (YEAST ARE UNICELLULAR)

Organisms in this kingdom do not provide their own means of locomotion (cannot see them physically move). PLANT

How do organisms in the fungi kingdom obtain nutrients? ABSORBING (DECOMPOSITION)

How do plants make food? PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Sponges, reptiles, birds, and fish belong to which kingdom? ANIMAL

Bacteria that can live in extreme conditions are part of this kingdom. ARCHAEBACTERIA

Mosses, ferns, and organisms that flower are in this kingdom. PLANT

The scientist who developed binomial nomenclature. CAROLUS LINNAEUS

Organisms in this kingdom are believed to be the original ancestors of plants and animals. PROTIST

What is another name for “true bacteria”? EUBACTERIA

list the 7 characteristics of living things? Movement Respiration Sensitivity Growth Reproduction Excretion Nutrition

Remember... classification is always changing and so will your grade after this quiz! GOOD LUCK!!