Question

amoeba sisters video recap: classification

1. first things first! some important vocabulary: compare and contrast a prokaryote cell with an eukaryote cell.
2. important vocabulary continued: label and illustrate an autotroph and a heterotroph organism. underline the one that produces its own food.
3. important vocabulary continued: what is the difference between a unicellular organism and a multicellular organism?
4. classification is often changing! after introducing the domains, this video shows a 5 kingdom and 6 kingdom system. why is classification subject to change?
5. complete the diagram below to show all taxonomic levels from most inclusive (top in diagram) to least inclusive (bottom in diagram).

domain

Explanation:

1. Prokaryote vs Eukaryote:

• Similarity: Both are basic cell types that carry out life functions.
• Differences: Prokaryotes have no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, are generally smaller, and include bacteria/archaea. Eukaryotes have a nucleus enclosing DNA, have membrane-bound organelles (like mitochondria), are larger, and include plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
• (Left image: Prokaryote; Right image: Eukaryote)

1. Autotroph vs Heterotroph:

• Autotroph (underlined): An organism that makes its own food (e.g., a plant, which uses photosynthesis).
• Heterotroph: An organism that must consume other organisms for food (e.g., a rabbit that eats plants).

1. Unicellular vs Multicellular:

• Unicellular organisms are made of just one single cell that performs all life functions (e.g., the pictured bacterium). Multicellular organisms are made of many specialized cells that work together to carry out different life functions (e.g., a human, tree).

1. Changing Classification:

• Classification systems change as new scientific evidence emerges, such as advances in genetic sequencing (DNA analysis) that reveal new evolutionary relationships, or the discovery of new species that do not fit existing categories.

1. Taxonomic Levels (Most to Least Inclusive):

• The standard taxonomic hierarchy follows this order below Domain.

Answer:

1. Similarity: Both are living cell types.

Differences: Prokaryotes have no nucleus/membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotes have a nucleus and organelles.
(Left = Prokaryote, Right = Eukaryote)

1. - Autotroph (underlined): Illustration example: A leafy plant with the label "Autotroph: Makes own food via photosynthesis"

• Heterotroph: Illustration example: A rabbit with the label "Heterotroph: Eats other organisms for food"

1. Unicellular organisms are made of one single functional cell; multicellular organisms are made of many specialized, cooperating cells.
2. Classification changes due to new scientific evidence, such as improved genetic analysis or discovery of new species, which reveals updated evolutionary relationships.
3. From top (directly below Domain) to bottom (least inclusive):

Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species