10.1 Species and taxonomy Flashcards
What is classification
The organisation of living organisms into groups with no overlap. It is not random but based on a set of principles
What is a species
Members of a species are capable of breeding and producing fertile offspring
How are species named
Using the binomial system
What is the generic name
The first name, which denotes which genus an organism belongs to
What is the specific name
The second name, denotes the species to which an organism belongs
Where are capitals used
The first letter of the generic name is in upper case
How does courtship behaviour ensure mating is successful (what does it enable individuals to do)
- Recognise members of their own species, to ensure mating occurs between the same species and the offspring are fertile
- Identify a mate capable of breeding, because both must be sexually mature
- Form a pair bond, which will cause successful mating
- Synchronise mating, so maximum probability is reached
- Become able to breed, by bringing a member of the opposite sex into a physiological state that allows breeding
What are the two forms of biological classification
- Artificial classification
2. Phylogenetic classification
What is artificial classification
It divides organisms according to differences that are useful at the time. e.g. colour, size, number of legs, leaf shape etc.
What is phylogenetic classification
- Is based upon the evolutionary relationships between organisms and their ancestors
- Classifies species into groups using shared features derived from their ancestors
- Arranges the groups into a hierarchy, in which the groups are contained within larger groups with no overlap
What are the different taxonomic ranks and whats the order
Domain Kindgom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
DIRTY KING PRAWN CURRY OR FAT GREASY SAUSAGES
