Ch1. Taxonomy

Origin

The beginning. A coming into existence or being. The beginning of the earth or the universe.

Speciation

The development of new species and new kinds from an ancestral species. A concept of evolution.

morphology

The form or appearance of an organism. The collection of physical characteristics and the structure which make up an organism. A basis for species definition.

Kingdom

The largest taxonomic category. containing all divisions making up the plant kingdom, or all phyla making up the other kingdoms.

Plant breeding

The science of controlling or improving certain features of crops and vegetables through genetic breeding programs

Reproductive Isolation

The separation of populations of organisms by some type of barrier to produce variations of species. No reproduction or exchange of genes occurs between the separated groups. A basis for species definition.

Verify

To test for truth or accuracy. To prove accuracy or truth by evidence.

Objectivity

Without bias. Thoughts or interpretations based on the features and characteristics of the organism, instead of on the feelings of the scientist.

fixity of species

there is no change of any kind, no variation within populations

taxonomist

A scientist who classifies organisms

classification

A system of distinguishing groups for purposes of identification. A means or device for sorting into groups with similar characteristics.

family

A taxonomic category containing a group of similar genera. Between the taxa of order and genus.

Class

A taxonomic category containing a group of similar orders. Between order and division in plant classification, between order and phylum in animal classification.

biosphere

All life on earth

Animal husbandry

The science of controlling or improving certain features of livestock through genetic breeding programs.

genetics

The science of heredity; how different characteristics are transmitted from parents to their offspring.

archaeology

The science of research and study of artifacts and ancient cultures.

taxonomy

The science of the classification of organisms

species

The smallest taxonomic category, containing only similar varieties of an organism

binomial nomenclature

The two-name system of naming living things used in classification.

Subjective

With bias. Thoughts or interpretations based on the feelings and personal evaluations of the scientist.

Taxon

(plural, taxa). The categories used in classifying organisms, e.g., class, order.

Philosophy

A body of ideas based on personal opinion.

kind

A group of living things with certain similar characteristics. Dogs and horses are kinds of living things.

Phylum

A grouping of similar classes. A taxonomic category between kingdom and class.

Creation

A model of origins based on scientific evidence which supports the biblical account of an omniscient creator.

Evolution

A model of origins based on the theory that random natural processes produced the first "living" cell from nonliving chemicals. From this starting point organisms have increased in complexity and variety.

taxonomic system

A plan or arrangement of grouping categories for the purpose of classifying

Key

A sorting device made up of a system of choices, as used in taxonomy.

Order

A taxonomic category containing a group of similar families. Between the taxa of class and family.

genus

A taxonomic category containing a group of similar species, occurring between the taxa of family and species. The genus is the first name of the scientific name

Dichotomous Key

A two-choice sorting device used in taxonomy to identify taxa, genus species, or common names of plant or animal specimens.

population

All the individual organisms of a kind or taxon, or a group of organisms living in an area

International Code of Nomeclature

An elaborate set of rules for naming organisms, one set for plants, another for animals, decided upon by botanists or zoologists from different countries.

variation

Differences that occur among the offspring of a particular species

Characteristics

Features which identify and distinguish one living thing from another.

division

In plant classification, a grouping of similar classes. (Phylum)

Artificial system

In taxonomy a classification plan based on grouping by certain outstanding features of a plant or animal.

Natural System

In taxonomy, a classification plan based on assumed relationships of common ancestry or evolution.

Economic Uses

Plants or animals selected or sorted from others on the basis of certain features which are salable. Food and clothing, plants and animals are bought, sold, and traded.