Question

Science 7B - Sample Work Name: Elise Saldana
Unit 7 - Classifications

Pick an organism -
What is it’s common name? House cat
What is it’s scientific name? Felis catus

My organism is in the genus Felis and species catus.
An organism that is in genus _________ but not in species _________ is _____________.

My organism is in the family ___________ and genus __________.
An organism that is in family __________ but not in genus _________ is _____________.

My organism is in the order ___________ and family __________.
An organism that is in order __________ but not in family _________ is ______________.

My organism is in the class ___________ and family __________.
An organism that is in class ___________ but not in family _________ is ______________.

My organism is in the phylum ___________ and class __________.
An organism that is in phylum ___________ but not in class _________ is ______________.

My organism is in the kingdom ___________ and phylum __________.
An organism that is in kingdom ___________ but not in phylum _________ is _____________.


What is a dichotomous key and how is it used to classify organisms?





Name and define the three domains of life

use a house cat as the organism

Answer 1

**Organism Classification for House Cat**

- **Common Name:** House Cat
- **Scientific Name:** Felis catus

1. My organism is in the genus **Felis** and species **catus**.
An organism that is in genus **Felis** but not in species **catus** is **Felis silvestris** (the wildcat).

2. My organism is in the family **Felidae** and genus **Felis**.
An organism that is in family **Felidae** but not in genus **Felis** is **Panthera leo** (the lion).

3. My organism is in the order **Carnivora** and family **Felidae**.
An organism that is in order **Carnivora** but not in family **Felidae** is **Canis lupus** (the gray wolf).

4. My organism is in the class **Mammalia** and family **Felidae**.
An organism that is in class **Mammalia** but not in family **Felidae** is **Homo sapiens** (humans).

5. My organism is in the phylum **Chordata** and class **Mammalia**.
An organism that is in phylum **Chordata** but not in class **Mammalia** is **Pisces** (a fish such as **Salmo salar**, the Atlantic salmon).

6. My organism is in the kingdom **Animalia** and phylum **Chordata**.
An organism that is in kingdom **Animalia** but not in phylum **Chordata** is **Euglena** (a member of the kingdom Protista).

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**What is a dichotomous key and how is it used to classify organisms?**

A dichotomous key is a tool that consists of a series of questions or statements that lead the user to the correct identification of an organism. Each question typically offers two contrasting choices, guiding the user through a process of elimination based on observable characteristics (such as physical traits or behavior). As the user answers each question, they will narrow down the possibilities until they reach the specific name of the organism. This method helps scientists and biologists identify and classify organisms in a systematic way.

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**Name and define the three domains of life:**

1. **Archaea:**
Archaea are single-celled microorganisms that are prokaryotic, meaning they lack a nucleus. They are often found in extreme environments, such as hot springs and salt lakes, and can be involved in processes such as methane production.

2. **Bacteria:**
Bacteria are also single-celled prokaryotic organisms, but they are distinct from Archaea in their genetic, biochemical, and ecological characteristics. Bacteria can be found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and inside the bodies of living organisms.

3. **Eukarya:**
Eukarya are organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. This domain includes a diverse range of life forms, including animals, plants, fungi, and protists, many of which are multicellular.