Classification of OrganismsPicture Vocabulary

6.L 15.1 Classification of Organisms

Taxonomy

The branch of science that formally names and classifies organisms by

their structure, function, and relationships

Structure

The arrangement of parts that form a living thing

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell containing a membrane-enclosed nucleus and organelles

Prokaryotic Cell

A cell lacking a nucleus or any other membrane-enclosed organelle

Unicellular Organism

An organism made up of one cell

Multicellular Organism

An organism made up of more than one cell, and often made up of different types of cells

Function

The special activity of a part

Autotrophic Organism

An organism that is able to make its own food

Heterotrophic Organism

An organism that cannot make its own food

Reproduction

The process of an organism producing more of its own kind

Hydra budding

Sexual Reproduction

A method of reproduction that requires both a male and a female parent

Asexual Reproduction

A method of reproduction that requires only one parent

Domains

The primary or highest-ranking classification of organisms, which includes three groups: Archaea,

Bacteria, and Eukarya

Domain Bacteria

One of the three taxonomic domains; includes prokaryotic, single-celled organisms that lack a membrane-enclosed nucleus and that can be

classified by shape

Domain Archaea

One of the three taxonomic domains; includes unicellular organisms that are prokaryotic like bacteria, but also share characteristics with

eukaryotes

Domain Eukarya

One of the three taxonomic domains of organisms; cells contain a membrane-enclosed nucleus

Kingdoms

A taxonomic rank below domain that is composed of smaller groups: Archaea, Bacteria, Protista,

Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia

Kingdom Bacteria

Kingdom of prokaryotic, single-celled organisms that lack a membrane-enclosed nucleus and can

be classified by shape

Kingdom Archaea

Kingdom of unicellular organisms that are prokaryotic like bacteria, but also share

characteristics with eukaryotes

Kingdom Protista

Kingdom of single-celled and simple multiple-celled eukaryotic organisms

Kingdom Fungi

Kingdom of heterotrophic eukaryotes that reproduce through asexual spores and have chitin

in their cell walls

Kingdom Plantae

Kingdom of autotrophic eukaryotes that includes all plants

Kingdom Animalia

Kingdom of heterotrophic eukaryotes that includes all animals