Taxonomic Characters Top Terminology (Taxonomy/Botany), Cheat Sheet of Plant Taxonomy and Evolution

Download Taxonomic Characters Top Terminology (Taxonomy/Botany) and more Cheat Sheet Plant Taxonomy and Evolution in PDF only on Docsity! ab Xe, TAXONOMIC CHARACTERS TERMINOLOGY =—¢ 1 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Term Definition Morphology The physical shape, structure, and appearance of an organism. This includes features like size, shape, color, and texture. Anatomy The internal structure of an organism, including organs, tissues, and their arrangement. DNA Sequences The genetic material's sequence (e.g., nucleotide sequences) used to study evolutionary relationships and genetic diversity. Behavior Patterns of activities, actions, and interactions exhibited by an organism. Behavior can be used to infer relatedness. Reproductive Traits Characteristics related to an organism's reproduction, such as the type of reproduction (e.g., sexual or asexual) and mating behaviors. Physiology The functioning of an organism's body systems, including metabolic processes, respiration, and other physiological functions. Biochemistry Chemical composition and metabolic pathways of an organism, including proteins, enzymes, and biochemical reactions. 4 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Biogeography The study of the distribution of organisms across geographical areas and its impact on taxonomy. Cladistics A method of classification based on shared derived characteristics, used to construct phylogenetic trees. Homoplasy The presence of similar traits in different species that do not share a common ancestor. Homology The presence of similar traits in different species due to shared ancestry. Analogous Structures Structures in different species that serve similar functions but have different evolutionary origins. Phylogenetics The study of evolutionary relationships among species, often represented in phylogenetic trees. Genetic Distance A measure of genetic divergence or similarity between populations or species. Type Specimen A physical specimen used as a reference for naming and describing a species. 5 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Dichotomous Key A tool for identifying organisms through a series of yes/no questions based on their characteristics. Systematics The study of the diversity of life and the relationships among organisms, including taxonomy and phylogenetics. Cladogram A branching diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms. Taxon A group of organisms at any level of classification, such as a species, genus, family, or order. Chemotaxonomy The use of chemical compounds and metabolites for taxonomic classification. Meristic Count The counting of repeated, similar structures, such as the number of vertebrae or fin rays, for taxonomic purposes. Nutritional Mode The method of obtaining nutrients, such as autotrophy (self-feeding) or heterotrophy (feeding on other organisms). Niche Partitioning The division of ecological roles and resources among closely related species to reduce competition. 6 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Molecular Systematics The use of molecular data to study evolutionary relationships and taxonomy. Vestigial Structures Anatomical structures that have lost their original function during evolution but are retained in a reduced form. Endemism The phenomenon where a species is restricted to a specific geographic region or habitat and is not found elsewhere. Biodiversity The variety of life forms and species in a given ecosystem or on Earth as a whole. Bioluminescence The production and emission of light by living organisms, often used for communication and camouflage. Eco morphology The study of an organism's physical adaptations to its specific ecological niche. Symbiosis A close and long-term interaction between different species, including mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Crypsis The ability of an organism to avoid detection by predators through camouflage or mimicry. 9 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Cline A gradual change in the characteristics of a species over a geographic area, often due to environmental gradients. Xerophyte A plant adapted to survive in arid or dry conditions, often with specialized water-saving features. Zoogeography The study of the geographical distribution of animals and the factors influencing their distribution. Microbiome The community of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, living in or on an organism. Cuticle A protective, waxy layer on the outer surface of plants and arthropods that helps reduce water loss. Phototaxis The movement of organisms in response to light, either toward (positive phototaxis) or away from (negative phototaxis) it. Oviparity The reproduction method in which organisms lay eggs that develop externally to the parent's body. Viviparity The reproduction method in which organisms give birth to live offspring, often after internal development. 10 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Cryoconite Sediment or debris on glaciers and ice sheets, often containing microorganisms, contributing to glacial ecology. Phylotype A term used in microbial taxonomy to describe a group of microorganisms that share a specific genetic marker. Tropism The growth or movement of an organism or a part of an organism in response to a stimulus, such as light or gravity. Molecular Barcoding The use of a short, standardized DNA sequence to identify and classify species, particularly in molecular biology. Sporulation The formation of spores, which are reproductive structures, by some microorganisms as a survival strategy. Parasitology The study of parasites, including their taxonomy, life cycles, and interactions with their hosts. Phenology The study of the timing of recurring biological events in relation to seasonal changes, such as migration or flowering. Telomere Repeated sequences at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from deterioration during replication. 11 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Bioinformatics The application of computer science and statistics to analyze and interpret biological data, including DNA sequences. Nucleotide Sequence The specific order of nucleotides (A, T, C, and G) in a DNA or RNA molecule, used for genetic analysis. Exoskeleton A rigid external skeleton found in arthropods (e.g., insects and crustaceans) that provides support and protection. Osteology The study of the structure and function of bones, often used in the identification of vertebrate organisms. Monophyly A group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants, reflecting a single evolutionary lineage. Paraphyly A group of organisms that includes an ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants, indicating an incomplete lineage. Polyphyly A group of organisms that does not share a common ancestor, indicating convergent evolution. Pangenome The entire set of genes present in a species, including core genes found in all individuals and accessory genes found in some. 14 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Cryptic Species Species that are morphologically similar but genetically distinct, only distinguishable through genetic analysis. Endosymbiosis The theory that certain organelles, like mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated from symbiotic relationships with other cells. Supergene Complex A group of genes closely linked on a chromosome that controls complex traits, often associated with adaptation. Altricial vs. Precocial Terms used to describe the degree of development and independence of offspring at birth or hatching. Altricial offspring are born or hatched in a relatively undeveloped state and require care, while precocial offspring are born or hatched in a more advanced state and can be more independent. Autotomy The ability of an organism to voluntarily shed or break off a body part, often as a defense mechanism or for regeneration. Allometry The study of how the size of one body part or trait relates to the size of another body part or the whole organism. Ecdysozoa A group of protostome animals characterized by molting, including arthropods (insects, arachnids) and nematodes (roundworms). 15 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Acoelomate, Pseudocoelomate, Coelomate Terms describing the presence and organization of a fluid-filled body cavity (coelom) in animals. Acoelomates lack a coelom, pseudocoelomates have a partially lined coelom, and coelomates have a fully lined coelom. Bract Modified leaves that often subtend or surround a flower or inflorescence, providing protection or support. Sensory Ecology The study of how organisms perceive and respond to their environment through sensory systems. Asymmetry The absence of symmetry, often used to describe irregular shapes in organisms. Allometric Growth Differential growth rates of different body parts or traits in an organism, leading to changes in shape as it matures. Holotype The single designated specimen used as the basis for describing and naming a new species. Protozoology The study of protozoa, a diverse group of single-celled eukaryotic microorganisms. Apomorphy A derived characteristic or trait that is unique to a particular group of organisms, often used in phylogenetic analysis. 16 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Prokaryotic Cell A type of cell that lacks a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in bacteria and archaea. Phenotypic Plasticity The ability of an organism to exhibit different phenotypes in response to environmental cues or changes. Myrmecophyte A plant that has a mutualistic relationship with ants, often providing shelter or nectar in exchange for protection. Cephalization The evolutionary trend where sensory organs and neural tissue become concentrated in the anterior (head) region of an organism. Troglodyte Organisms that live in caves or subterranean environments. Systematics The field of biology that deals with the diversity and evolutionary relationships of organisms. Osmoregulation The regulation of an organism's internal osmotic balance, often related to the control of water and ion concentrations. Ethology The study of animal behavior and its evolution, often focusing on natural behaviors in the wild. 19 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Carotenoid Pigments found in plants and some microorganisms responsible for yellow, orange, and red colors. Environmental DNA (eDNA) Genetic material extracted from environmental samples like water or soil to detect and identify organisms. Mycorrhizae Symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots, aiding in nutrient uptake and plant growth. Diurnal vs. Nocturnal Terms describing the activity patterns of organisms, with diurnal organisms active during the day and nocturnal ones active at night. K-Selection A reproductive strategy where organisms invest heavily in raising a few offspring with a higher likelihood of survival. R-Selection A reproductive strategy where organisms produce many offspring with low investment in each, suitable for unpredictable or unstable environments. Crypsis The ability of an organism to avoid detection by predators through camouflage or mimicry. Egestion The process of excreting waste or undigested materials from the digestive system. 20 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Microbiota The community of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) living in or on an organism, often important for health. Desiccation Tolerance The ability of an organism to survive extreme dehydration or drying conditions. Apomixis A form of asexual reproduction where seeds or embryos develop without fertilization, often producing genetically identical offspring. Flagellum A whip-like appendage used for locomotion by some microorganisms, such as bacteria or sperm cells. Xylogenesis The process of wood formation in trees and woody plants, involving the deposition of secondary xylem tissue. Spermatophore A capsule or packet of sperm produced by males of some species and transferred to females during mating. Stereotype A standard or characteristic behavior or action associated with a particular organism or species. Regressive Evolution The evolutionary process where complex traits or structures are reduced or lost over time. 21 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Sclerophyllous A term describing plants with tough, evergreen leaves adapted to dry or Mediterranean-type climates. Rhizosphere The soil region around plant roots, influenced by root secretions and microbial activity. Ovoviviparity A reproductive strategy where embryos develop inside eggs within the mother's body, but the eggs hatch inside the mother before birth. Ecotone A transition zone between two distinct ecosystems or habitat types, often characterized by unique species composition. Alate Referring to winged or flying stages of insects or other organisms. Xenotransplantation The transplantation of organs, tissues, or cells from one species to another, often involving animals and humans. Myology The study of the muscles in animals, including their structure, function, and arrangement. Epi- and Endozoic Terms used to describe organisms that live on the surface of other organisms (epizoic) or within their bodies (endozoic). 24 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Brood Parasitism A behavior where one species lays its eggs in the nest of another species, often resulting in the rearing of the parasitic species' young by the host. Tropomyosin A protein that plays a role in muscle contraction by regulating the interaction between actin and myosin filaments. Sessile Referring to organisms that are permanently attached to a substrate and cannot move. R-strategist A reproductive strategy where organisms produce many offspring with little parental care, often in unpredictable or changing environments. Synanthropic Species that thrive in close association with human activities and human- modified environments. Noctilio/Photonast Tactic behavior in plants where flowers open during the night (nocturnal) or in response to light (photonasty). Spermatheca A structure found in the female reproductive system of some insects, used to store and protect sperm. Myiasis A condition in animals (including humans) caused by infestation of live tissues by fly larvae. 25 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Phenotypic Convergence The development of similar traits or characteristics in different species due to similar environmental pressures. Osmosis The movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane, typically from areas of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration. Taxis The movement of an organism in response to a specific stimulus, such as phototaxis (movement towards light) or chemotaxis (movement towards or away from a chemical). Homeostasis The maintenance of stable internal conditions within an organism, achieved through various physiological and behavioral mechanisms. Ganglion A cluster of nerve cells (neurons) found outside the central nervous system, often involved in processing sensory information and coordinating motor responses. Placenta A temporary organ that connects the fetus to the uterine wall, facilitating the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the mother and the developing embryo or fetus. Eukaryogenesis The origin of eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic ancestors, involving the development of membrane-bound organelles. 26 | P a g e University: SU Taxonomic Characters Terminology Social Hierarchy A ranking system within a social group or species, often dictating access to resources, mates, or social status. Phenotypic Plasticity The ability of an organism to exhibit different phenotypes in response to varying environmental conditions. Vestibular System The sensory system responsible for detecting changes in head position, balance, and spatial orientation. Foraging Behavior The behavior exhibited by organisms in search of food, including hunting, gathering, and scavenging. Sclerotization The process of hardening or strengthening body structures, often through the deposition of a tough material like chitin in arthropods. Cryptochrome A light-sensitive pigment in some organisms, including plants and animals, involved in regulating circadian rhythms and other light- dependent processes. Trophallaxis The social behavior observed in some insect species where individuals exchange food, often by mouth-to-mouth feeding. Euryhaline Organisms that can tolerate a wide range of salinity levels in their environment.