Unit 5: Classification

Study Guide Answers

S7L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate the diversity of living organisms and how they can
be compared scientifically.
Vocabulary: Complete the following chart using the definitions obtained in class.
Word Definition
A group of organisms with similar characteristics who are able to breed
Species and produce a fertile offspring

Diversity Variation of living things present in a particular ecosystem

Taxonomy The branch of science that deals with classification of organisms

Scientific Name A name used by scientists that consists of a genus and species

Dichotomous Key A chart used to identify organisms based on a series of choices

Sorting something according to similar characteristics; another term for

Classification taxonomy

The most broad level of classification; made up of smaller groups called

Kingdom phylum

A two name system with the first name referring to genus and the second
Binomial Nomenclature name referring to species; scientific name

Carolus Linnaeus The “father” of taxonomy; created the binomial nomenclature

Genus A classification grouping, the first part of the scientific name

1. The language used for scientific name is

a. Latin
2. When constructing a dichotomous key, which characteristics do you look for?
a. You look for physical characteristics.
3. Compare and contrast animals and plants
a. Animals: multicellular, autotrophs, cannot move, eukaryotic
b. Plants: Multicellular, heterotrophs, can move, eukaryotic
4. Sponges look much like plants, but are classified as animals. Why is this?
a. Sponges are heterotrophic (consume food) and not autotrophs like plants
5. List the levels of hierarchy from largest to smallest.
a. Domain  Kingdom  Phylum  Class  Order  Family  Genus  Species
Remember the mnemonic device: “Do Keep Ponds Clean Or Frogs Get Sick!”

ANSWERS TO THE “MAKE YOUR OWN” DICHOTOMOUS KEY WILL VARY!

PLEASE SEE YOUR TEACHER IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS 

Unit 5: Classification
Study Guide Answers

Complete the chart below with the correct descriptions and example of each part.

Kingdom Characteristics Examples

Cell wall, “true” bacteria, mainly found in Helpful and harmful bacteria like E.
intestine or vertebrae and in soil, coli
Eubacteria prokaryote, responsible for many human
diseases, single-celled.

Singled-celled, prokaryote organism, lack a Halophiles; bacteria living in

nucleus, lives in extreme environments. extreme environments (extreme
Archaea heat, extreme salt)

Singled-celled, contains many kinds of Euglena, amoeba

organisms, can be plant-like or animal-like
Protista

Multicellular, eukaryotic, cannot move, Mushrooms, yeast

heterotrophs (feed on dead/decaying
Fungi material), cell wall made of chitin

Multicellular, eukaryotic, cannot move, Maple trees, poison ivy

autotrophs, cell wall made of cellulose
Plantae

Multicellular, eukaryotic, can move, Humans, dolphins, cats

heterotrophs
Animalia