Notes

archaea also known as archaebacteria; prokaryotic organisms with different structures than bacteria; believed to be the most primitive organisms, capable of inhabiting extreme environments
binomial nomenclature the two-name system of naming living things used in classification
eubacteria prokaryotic organisms including bacteria and cyanobacteria
eukaryote a cell that has a membrane-bound nucleus and/or organelles as its major characteristic
morphology the form or appearance of an organism; the collection of physical characteristics and the structure which make up an organism; a basis for species definition
prokaryote a cell whose nucleus is not bound by a membrane
reproductive isolation the separation of populations of organisms by some type of barrier to produce variations of species; no reproduction or exchange of genes occurs between the separated groups; a basis for species definition


Taxa                       Classification                     Information
Kingdom Plantae Organisms that usually have chlorophyll and cell walls. These organisms usually make their own food through the process of photosynthesis.

Division Magnoliophyta Flowering plants. The seeds of these plants are enclosed or covered by the ovary of the flower. These plants are also referred to under the Phylum: Angeiospermae.

Class Liliopsida Also referred to as of the Class: Monocotyledons, or monocots. The embryo plant inside the seed has one cotyledon or seed leaf for stored food. Flower pairs are usually in threes. The conducting tissues are scattered in bundles through the stem. Leaves usually have veins parallel.

Order Cyperales Plants which have wind or self-pollinating flowers bearing a single ovule. Flowers are arranged as spikes.

Family Poaceae The grass family has only monocots with hollow stems and greenish flowers with flower parts like petal missing. The fruit is a grain or caryopsis.

Genus Zea Large grasses with separate pollen and seed flower clusters (the tassel and the ear). The grain is enclosed by leafy husks.

Species Mays Sweet Corn