Crash Course Zoology #1 What is an animal?

DNA

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.

Species

A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

binomial nomenclature

A system for giving each organism a two-word scientific name that consists of the genus name followed by the species name

analagous Structures

Similar function but different structure - does not show common ancestry - Ex: butterfly wing and bat wing)

homologous structures

Structures in different species that are similar because of common ancestry.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history of a species or group of related species

clades

a group of organisms believed to have evolved from a common ancestor, according to the principles of cladistics.

animal

an organism that is made of many cells, cannot make its own food, and can move during at least part of its life; a member of kingdom Animalia

zoology

the scientific study of animals