Overview
This lecture covers the classification of living things, explaining why classification is important, the main groups (kingdoms), and the characteristics used to differentiate living organisms.
Introduction to Classification
- Classification is the organization of living things into groups based on similarities and differences.
- Scientists classify to better understand relationships, study diversity, and simplify identification.
Major Groups of Living Things (Kingdoms)
- Living things are classified into major groups called kingdoms.
- The traditional five kingdoms are: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, and Monera (Bacteria).
- Each kingdom has unique features distinguishing its members.
Criteria for Classification
- Organisms are classified based on shared characteristics such as cell type, number of cells, and how they obtain food.
- Examples of classification criteria include prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells, and autotroph (make their own food) vs. heterotroph (consume other organisms).
Key Features of Each Kingdom
- Animals: Multicellular, eukaryotic, no cell walls, heterotrophs.
- Plants: Multicellular, eukaryotic, have cell walls, autotrophs (photosynthesis).
- Fungi: Mostly multicellular, eukaryotic, cell walls, heterotrophs (decomposers).
- Protists: Mostly unicellular, eukaryotic, diverse methods of getting food.
- Monera (Bacteria): Unicellular, prokaryotic, can be autotrophic or heterotrophic.
Importance of Classification
- Allows scientists to identify, name, and study organisms more efficiently.
- Reveals evolutionary relationships between different organisms.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Classification — Grouping living things based on similarities for easier study and identification.
- Kingdom — One of the largest groups used to classify living things.
- Autotroph — Organism that produces its own food (usually by photosynthesis).
- Heterotroph — Organism that obtains food by consuming other organisms.
- Prokaryotic — Cells without a defined nucleus (e.g., bacteria).
- Eukaryotic — Cells with a defined nucleus (e.g., animals, plants, fungi, protists).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of organisms in each kingdom.
- Prepare notes on the distinguishing characteristics of each kingdom.
- Read textbook section on cellular structure differences in kingdoms.