1. Classification of Organisms - Taxonomy Flashcards
Define taxon.
A group within a classification hierarchy eg domain, kingdom.
Define taxonomy.
The science of classification. Involving naming organisms and organising them into groups.
Why is taxonomy important?
Makes it easier to identify and study them.
What else is took into account when classifying organisms?
Phylogeny.
Evolutionary relationships.
How many levels are there used to clarify organisms?
8 levels.
What are the groups called?
Taxa.
Each group called taxon.
Arranged in hierarchy - largest at top, smallest at bottom.
Organisms can only belong to one group - no overlap.
Firstly what are organisms sorted into?
3 large groups/taxa called domains.
Eukarya, bacteria and archaea.
After domains what are related organisms in the domains sorted into?
Slightly smaller groups called kingdoms. eg all animals are in the animal kingdom.
What are closely related organisms from that particular kingdom grouped into?
Phylum and then grouped into class and so on down the 8 levels of the hierarchy.
Name the 8 taxonomic groups used in classification.
Domain. Kingdom. Phylum. Class. Order. Family. Genus. Species.
What mnemonic is effective to try and remember the taxonomic groups used in classification.
Demanding. Kids. Prefer. Chips. Over. Floppy. Green. Spinach.
Give an example of the classification of humans.
Domain - Eukarya. Kingdom - Animalia. Phylum - Chordata. Class - Mammalia. Order - Primates. Family - Hominidae. Genus - Homo, Species - Sapiens.
What is the clear pattern as you move down the hierachy?
There are more groups at each level but fewer organisms in each group. The organisms in each group become more closely related.
What does the hierachy end with?
Species - the group that only contains 1 type of organism (humans).
Define species.
A group of similar organisms able to reproduce to give fertile offspring.
