This document discusses classification and taxonomy of living organisms. It explains that classification involves arranging organisms into groups based on similarities in structure, DNA, and other characteristics. This aids in identification of species and shows evolutionary relationships. Species are defined as groups that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. The document then outlines the kingdoms of life and the seven levels of biological classification from kingdom to species. It provides examples of classification and key characteristics of living things.
When confronted with an unidentified species, scientists look at classification keys which give hints to help provide a name for it. Species in the same group usually share characteristics since they have descended from a common ancestor. Classification can be used to predict how they evolved. If several species in a group share a characteristic, another species in the group will probably share that characteristic.
Left - The Cook Strait giant weta, photographed by Brian Eting. Middle - The mountain stone weta occupies the crevices and cavities of rocks (45mm). Right - The giant scree weta lives in the scree of alpine areas (45mm). http://weta.boarsnest.net/gallery2.htm
Bacteria/ Blue-green Algae
Protists and Algae
Mold/ Yeast/ Mushroom Heterotroph - consume food (can’t make their own) Saprophytes - live off dead organic matter
Autotrophs - make own food Higher Plant
Sessile or motile Release of energy Respond to environment Increase in mass Increase in organisms Get rid of metabolic waste Take in building blocks of life
building up or breaking down chemical reactions in the body ability to maintain a balanced system despite fluctuations in environment inherited characteristics that enable survival and reproduction in a habitat opportunities provided by habitat, adaptations to make the most of it