Uses shared and derived amino acids to determine relationships between organisms, quantitative data is used to classify organisms

Theory that eukaryotic cells formed from a symbiosis among several different prokaryotic organisms

Similar structures that related species have inherited from a common ancestor

A place where a branch splits off from the rest of the cladogram

Step by step approach to identify an organism using a series of paired descriptions

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

The gradual change in a species over time

New feature that had not appeared in common ancestors

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Traits that organisms have in common

A branching diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among organisms

A nonscientific term that may vary from region to region (for example , Puma, Mountain Lion, Cougar)

The evolutionary history of a species or group of related species

Is the same for all scientists all over the world

Two parts to the scientific name of an organism

Large taxonomic group, consisting of closely related phyla

A taxonomic category above the kingdom level. The three domains are Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

A kingdom made up of complex, multicellular organisms that lack cell walls, can usually move around, and quickly respond to their environment.

Single-celled or simple multicellular eukaryotic organisms that generally do not fit in any other kingdom

Kingdom of multicellular photosynthetic autotrophs that have cell walls containing cellulose

Kingdom composed of heterotrophs; many obtain energy and nutrients from dead organic matter

Domain of unicellular prokaryotes that have cell walls that do not contain peptidoglycan and live in extreme environments

Domain of unicellular prokaryotes that have cell walls containing peptidoglycan

Small, simple, no nucleus, no membrane-bound organelles, single celled organisms only

Organisms that make their own food (producers)

Branch of Biology that names organisms

Organism that obtains energy from the foods it consumes; also called a consumer

Larger more complex cells with nucleus and membrane bound organelles,

Specialized in taxonomy, developed a binomial system of naming organisms according to genus and species that is still used today.

Assignment of objects or people to categories on the basis of shared characteristics.

Group or level that an organism is classified (Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species)

Classification system in which each species is assigned a two-part scientific name