Page 1: Biological Classification Systems

The first page introduces the fundamental concepts of biological classification and its hierarchical structure. Classification organizes living things into groups based on shared characteristics, utilizing eight distinct levels of categorization.

Definition: Classification is the systematic arrangement of organisms into groups based on common features and characteristics.

Highlight: The three domains - Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya - form the highest level of classification, with Eukarya further divided into four kingdoms.

Example: The kingdom classifications include:

• Protista: Single or multicellular organisms with varying mobility and feeding methods
• Fungi: Non-mobile organisms that obtain nutrients from other sources
• Plantae: Multicellular autotrophs that produce their own food
• Animalia: Mobile, multicellular consumers

Vocabulary:

• Prokaryotic: Cells lacking a membrane-bound nucleus
• Eukaryotic: Cells containing a membrane-bound nucleus
• Autotroph: Organisms that produce their own food