Part 5 - Introduction

| The Diversity of Life

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Prior to embarking on this simulation, you should be familiar with the following terms: prokaryote, eukaryote, multicellular, gametophyte, sporophyte, sporangia, sori, coelom, chelicerae, mandibles, amnion, ectothermic, endothermic.

When you are finished with the simulation, you will be able to describe:
• How the structure of organisms relates to their classification
• How similarity and difference contribute to understanding of taxonomic relationships

How are differences and similarities of organisms evidenced by their classification?

The world is filled with a vast diversity of living organisms. Common origin means these organisms all share common characteristics, yet their great diversity indicates remarkable variations. Similar yet different: what differences have arisen to divide organisms into the various taxa introduced throughout the unit?

Keep in mind as you go through the simulation that the diagram does not necessarily reflect evolutionary relationships. Fungi, for example, are more closely related to animals than plants.