Classification

• Linnaeus' binomial nomenclature consists of two parts, genus (capitalized) and species (lowercase).
• Eukarya is a Domain where all organisms made up of Eukaryote cells (with a nucleus)
• Archaea is a Domain that consists of single-celled organisms, that are specialised for living in extreme environmental conditions, and are Prokaryote (no nucleus)
• Kingdoms: The groups of organisms that are similar in structure and function.
• Phylum: Based on distinct biological and structual features structural structural of the organism.
• Class: Grouping animals by similar characteristics, such as body size, colour, or habitat.
• Order: share similar nature or character
• Family: Share common attributes and descend from the same ancestors, share relatively the same characteristics
• Genus: Species exhibiting similar characteristics
• Species: A group of organisms that can breed to produce fertile offspring, and have common characteristics.
• Mollusca: Mollusca are a phylum of invertebrate animals that includes snails, clams, and slugs.

  Key Characteristics:

  • Bilateral symmetry of body
  • No cavity in the body
  • Has muscular foot for movement
  • Open circulatory system
  • Digestive system is connected from the mouth to the anus
• Arthropoda: a diverse group of invertebrates that includes insects, spiders, and crustaceans.

  Key Characteristics:

  • Segmented body
  • Hard Exoskeleton
  • Digestive system is connected mouth to anus
  • Joined appendages (wings, legs)
  • Bilateral symmetry of body
• Chordata: is a large phylum of animals that includes vertebrates, sea squirts, and lancelets. The possession of a notochord distinguishes them at some stage during their development.

  Key Characteristics:

  • Dorsal nerve chord and notochord
  • Closed circulatory system
  • Bilateral symmetry of body
  • Most are vertebrates (have backbone)
• Class: Pisces (Fish)

  Key Characteristics:

  • scales covering the body
  • gas exchange via gills
  • Most have external fertilisation of eggs (sperm and eggs are released into the environment) - sharks -> internal fertalisation
  • Ectothermic (internal temperature based on environmental conditions)
• Class: Amphibia

  Key Characteristics

  • moist skin
  • Gas exchange depends on development stage (gills or lungs, but can still absorb gases through skin)
  • External Fertalisation - larval stages spent in water, adult stages spent on land/ aquatic environments
  • Exothermic (internal temperature based on environmental conditions)
• Class: Reptilia

  Key Characteristics

  • Scales on body
  • Gas exchange via internal lung-based respiratory system
  • Internal fertilisation- some species lay eggs, other species bear live young
  • Ectothermic
• Class: Aves (Birds)

  Key Characteristics:

  • Feathered body
  • Respiratory system with lungs and bronchial branches
  • Internal fertilisation- eggs are produced
  • Endothermic (able to internally regulate body temperature)
• Class: Mammalia

  Key Characteristics

  • Skin-covered body - individuals have hair or fur (dependent on species)
  • Complex respiratory system
  • Internal fertilisation - Juveniles are fed mammary glands by female mothers, however, monotremes (e.g Echidna) lay eggs
  • Endothermic
• Key Mammalian orders:

  • Chiroptera (Bats)
  • Primates (Monkey, Apes, Human)
  • Carnivora (meat-eating mammal's)
  • Cetacea (Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises)
  • Todentia (Rats, Mice, Porcupines)
• Family: Elapidae - E.g. Tiger Snake

  • Front-fanged venomous snakes - inject a venom that kills their prey (or immobilises them) before ingestion
  • Typically found around; tropical, arid (desert) habitats
• Family: Pasyuridae E.g. Tasmanian Devil

  • Carnivorous marsupial- only found in Australia and New Guinea
  • Range in size of a large cat (2kg - hike quolls) to mouse (10g- Dibbler, Dunnarts)
  • Typically insectivorous, prey on small reptiles, rodents and birds