Roots of Common Terms in Taxonomy
Roots
L = Latin; G = Greek
Auto, Chemo, Hetero, and Phototrophs
trophe = nutrition (G); auto = self, same (G); chemo = chemical (G); heteros = other, different (G); photo = light (G)
Binomial Nomenclature
bis = twice (L), nomen = name (L), calare = to call (L)
Blastula, Blastopore
blastos = sprout (G), pore = hole, opening
Cladogram
klados = branch (G); gram = something written or drawn (G)
Eukaryote
eu = true (G); karyon = nucleus (G)
Homo
= same, similar (G)
Phylogeny
phylon = tribe, race (G); genesis = generation, production (G)
Prokaryote
pro = before (G); karyon = nucleus (G)
Subspecies
sub = below (L)
Synapomorphy
syn = with (G); apo = away from (G); morph = shape, form (G)
Taxon/a, Taxonomy
taxis = arrangement (G); nomie = method (G)
Vertebrates
vertebratus = joint of the spine (L)