Amoeba Sisters | Video Recap NAME: 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 Kingdom Phylum class order Family Genus Species
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the image of the Amoeba Sisters Video Recap: Classification worksheet you provided, here are the correct answers filled in for each section, followed by a 300-word explanation:
1. Compare and contrast a prokaryote cell with a eukaryote cell:
Prokaryote: No nucleus, smaller, simpler structure, DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm.
Eukaryote: Has a nucleus, larger, more complex, contains membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria and Golgi bodies.
2. Autotroph and Heterotroph (label and illustrate):
- Autotroph (🌿 plant, algae) – Produces its own food using sunlight through photosynthesis.
- Heterotroph (🐶 animal, human) – Gets food by consuming other organisms.
(You can draw a simple plant with a sun for autotroph and a dog or human face for heterotroph.)
3. Difference between unicellular and multicellular:
- Unicellular: Made of a single cell (example: bacteria).
- Multicellular: Made of many cells working together (example: humans, trees).
4. Why is classification subject to change?
Classification changes as scientists make new discoveries, especially using tools like DNA analysis. As we learn more about how organisms are related, the classification system is updated to reflect more accurate evolutionary relationships.
5. Taxonomic Levels Diagram (from most to least inclusive):
✅ Domain
✅ Kingdom
✅ Phylum
✅ Class
✅ Order
✅ Family
✅ Genus
✅ Species
Explanation
Biological classification, also known as taxonomy, is the scientific method of organizing living organisms based on shared characteristics and evolutionary history. It uses a hierarchical system that starts broadly and narrows down to more specific groups. From most to least inclusive, the levels are Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. This system helps scientists accurately identify, study, and communicate about organisms across the world.
Prokaryotes and eukaryotes are the two major cell types. Prokaryotes, like bacteria, are simple and lack a nucleus, while eukaryotes have a nucleus and are found in animals, plants, fungi, and protists. Knowing whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic helps in classifying the organism.
Autotrophs make their own food using energy from sunlight or chemicals. Plants and algae are examples. Heterotrophs must eat other organisms to gain energy, like animals and fungi. Unicellular organisms consist of only one cell that performs all life functions. Multicellular organisms are made of many cells that often perform specialized roles.
Classification is not static. It changes as scientific tools, especially molecular techniques like DNA sequencing, reveal more about how organisms are related. For instance, archaea were once grouped with bacteria but are now recognized as a separate domain due to significant genetic differences. This ongoing refinement improves our understanding of life’s diversity and evolutionary connections. As new species are discovered and genetic data expands, taxonomy continues to evolve.
