BIO 14 LAB

• Systematics is the scientific study of the kinds and diversity of organisms and their relationships
• Taxonomy is the theory and practice of classifying organisms
• Taxonomy is derived from the Greek words "taxis" meaning arrangement or division, and "nomos" meaning method
• Description, identification, nomenclature, and classification are important components of taxonomy
• Classification involves ordering populations into groups and organizing these groups into a nested hierarchy
• Identification involves recognizing features of organisms using a key
• Nomenclature involves applying distinctive names to each recognized group
• Taxonomic hierarchy is an array of inclusive levels called categories arranged from domain to species
• A taxon is a distinct group at any level of hierarchical classification
• Species is the basic unit of classification and the lowest category in the hierarchy
• Subspecies, forma, variety are examples of infraspecific categories below species
• Scientific names follow rules listed in the International Code of Nomenclature
• Scientific names are in Latin or latinized, with the generic name written with a capital initial letter and the specific epithet in small letters
• The scientific name of a subspecies is a trinomial, while names of variety and forma are also trinomial
• The specific epithet for organisms may be derived based on habitat, location, diagnostic feature, or names of people
• Scientific names are underlined when handwritten and italicized or in bold when printed
• Table 1.2 shows common Greek and Latin terms used in forming scientific names
• Common names are vernacular names and may be less precise than scientific names
• Organisms may have several common names or share common names with different species
• Scientific names are composed of a genus name and species designation in binomial nomenclature
• The specific epithet is usually an adjective, and the generic name is always a noun
• Species names can be derived from Latin or Greek terms with specific meanings
• The specific epithet of a species focuses on a particular part of the organism, as shown in parentheses
• A complete scientific name includes the generic name, specific epithet, and author citation
• Taxonomic publications require inclusion of the author citation, especially for new species
• When transferring a species to a new genus, the original author is retained in parentheses followed by the current author
• A key is a device used for determining the identity of organisms
• Most keys are artificial and serve as a tool for the separation of similar but not identical kinds of organisms