Classification Assignment

Directions: In this assignment you will need to log into the Texas Gateway Resources:
https://www.texasgateway.org/resource/taxonomy-major-groups that describe the different major
groups.
After accessing the website and reading through the material and your textbook, answer the
following questions that are also found on the website:

Fill in the blank (Use terms found on the website) (25 pts):
Organisms come in many forms. They can be either unicellular, consisting of only one cell, or
they can be multicellular, consisting of many cells. The cells that have no nucleus are called
prokaryotes, while cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound internal organelles are
called eukaryotes. Organisms that make their own food are called autotrophs, while organisms
that must eat other living things for energy are called heterotrophs.

Describe common characteristics of organisms in each kingdom and provide examples. Use
vocabulary words in your descriptions. (25 pts)
Archaea:
 Prokaryotes
 With cell walls composed of different types of polysaccharides and proteins.
 They live in extreme environments.
 Their DNA is more similar to eukaryotes and they have a unique metabolic system.
 Example: In the Digestion in humans, Methanobrevibacter smithii plays a crucial role
in the production of methane in the gut.

Bacteria:
 Lack of membrane-bound organelles.
 Unicellular.
 Microscopic size.
 Example: Streptococcus is a type of bacteria that can cause skin, soft tissue and
respiratory tract infections.
Fungi:
 Eukaryotic organisms that are mostly multicellular and microscopic.
 The cells of fungi possess cell walls made of chitin.
 Heterotrophs
 Usually form parasitic or symbiotic relationships with other plants, animals or fungi.
  Example: Trichophyton rubrum, which causes Ringworm and athlete's-foot skin
infections. Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections in humans.

Protists:
 Includes all those eukaryotic organisms that do not belong to the kingdoms Fungi,
Plantae or Animalia.
 Most protists are unicellular and microscopic; however, the kingdom also includes some
multicellular species.
 Many protists are motile.
 They are primarily found in aquatic environments or other moisture-rich environments
like soils.
 Protists are a very diverse group of species and broadly fall into one of three categories,
plant-like protists, animal-like protists (protozoans), and fungi-like protists.
 Example: Plasmodium, a parasite that causes malaria.

Application Question (50 pts):

Scenario: You are a microbiologist conducting field research in a diverse ecosystem. During
your study, you encounter an unknown microorganism and collect samples for further analysis
(see image below). Upon microscopic examination and initial observations, you notice several
distinct features of the organism's morphology and behavior.

Characteristics:
-Microscopic, elongated organism cylindrical
-Light gray or white in color
-Unicellular
-Contains Nucleus
- Found in freshwater, ponds, pools, ditches, streams, lakes, reservoirs
- Have numerous, tiny, hair-like projections distributed throughout the body
- Contains food vacuoles

Question:
Based on the characteristics observed, identify the most likely taxonomic group to which the
unknown microorganism belongs (bacteria, Archaea, Protist, or Fungi). Justify your answer by
describing specific traits or features that align with the characteristics typical of the selected
taxonomic group. Additionally, discuss the ecological significance and potential roles of the
microorganism in the ecosystem based on its inferred taxonomic classification. (300 word
minimum)

Grading Criteria for Application Question:

1. Content Knowledge and Understanding (20 pts):
o Demonstrates accurate and comprehensive understanding of relevant biological
concepts, principles, and theories.
o Applies knowledge effectively to analyze and interpret the given scenario,
identifying key elements, relationships, and processes.
o Integrates relevant terminology, definitions, and examples to support explanations
and conclusions.
2. Critical Thinking and Analysis (10 pts):
o Analyzes the scenario critically, recognizing underlying assumptions,
implications, and limitations.
o Evaluates evidence, arguments, and alternative perspectives, demonstrating
logical reasoning and sound judgment.
o Synthesizes information from multiple sources, integrating interdisciplinary
connections, and contextualizing findings within broader scientific contexts.
3. Application and Relevance (10 pts):
o Applies biological concepts, principles, and methodologies appropriately to
address the specific requirements of the scenario.
o Identifies and explains the relevance, significance, and implications of the
identified characteristics, behaviors, or phenomena within biological systems,
processes, or contexts.
o Considers practical applications, real-world implications, and ethical
considerations related to the scenario, demonstrating awareness of broader
societal, environmental, or scientific issues.
 4. Clarity and Communication (10 pts):
o Communicates ideas, explanations, and analyses clearly, concisely, and
coherently.
o Organizes responses effectively, using appropriate structure, formatting, and
language conventions.
o Provides well-reasoned arguments, supported by evidence, examples, and logical
progression, enhancing readability, and comprehension.

Based on the described characteristics of the unknown microorganism, the most probably
taxonomic group to which it belongs is Protista. Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic
microorganisms that don’t fit into other kingdoms such as plants, animals or fungi. They are
usually unicellular but can also be multicellular, and they show a wide range of morphologies
and behaviors.
The specific characteristics described are well aligned with protist characteristics:

 Microscopic, elongated organism cylindrical: Many protists show elongated or

irregular shapes, as they come in various forms, including amoeboid, flagellated, and
ciliated.

 Light gray or white in color: Protists can display a range of colors, including
transparent or light-colored appearances, depending on their pigmentation and cellular
structures.

 Unicellular: While some protists are multicellular, others are unicellular organisms,
which fits the description provided.

 Contains Nucleus: Protists, as eukaryotic organisms, have true nuclei enclosed within a
membrane, distinguishing them from prokaryotic organisms like bacteria and Archaea.

 Found in freshwater habitats: Protists are commonly found in aquatic environments,

including freshwater bodies such as ponds, pools, ditches, streams, lakes and reservoirs.
They play crucial roles in freshwater ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling,
decomposition, and primary production.

 Hair-like projections (cilia or flagella): The presence of numerous tiny hair-like

projections distributed throughout the body suggests motility, which can be facilitated by
 structures such as cilia or flagella. Many protists use these structures for movement and
feeding.

 Contains food vacuoles: Protists often show diverse feeding strategies, including
phagocytosis, where food particles are engulfed into food vacuoles for digestion.
The ecological significance of this protist likely involves its role in nutrient cycling, as it may
feed on organic matter and smaller organisms present in freshwater habitats. Also, its motility
and ability to colonize various freshwater environments suggest it could play a role in ecosystem
dynamics, such as energy transfer and microbial community structure. More research into its
unique ecological interactions and possible contributions to ecosystem functioning is needed to
properly grasp its significance in freshwater ecosystems.