classification
the process of arranging organisms into groups based on similarities
taxonomy
the science of naming and classifying organisms
taxonomist
scientist that names and classifies organisms
genus
a group of species that have similar characteristics
binomial nomenclature
a system of naming something using two names or words
Carolus Linneaus
scientist that developed the first naming and classification system for organisms
scientific name
two word name every organism has; is written in Latin, and is made up of the genus and species name. The genus name comes first followed by the species name
dichotomous key
a series of questions, each with only two answers, that can be used to help identify an organism's genus and species
domain
one of three divisions in a classification system based on different types of cells; Living things are grouped in to 3 different domains; Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya
Plantae Kingdom
multicellular, include trees, flowers, grass, and moss
Animalia Kingdom
multicellualr, include all animals
Protista Kingdom
most are unicellular; include paramecium, amoeba
Fungi Kingdom
multicellular; include mushrooms, molds, and yeast
Archaea Kingdom
unicellular; bacteria that lives in extreme environments
Bacteria Kingdom
unicellular; have no nucleus