10.1 Species and taxonomy Flashcards
What is a species?
A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce a living, fertile offspring
What system is used to name species?
The binomial system
Who came up with the naming system?
Linnaeus
What makes up the first and second name of a species?
Generic name (Genus) and specific name (species)
How should printed species names be written as?
If printed, it should be in italics
If handwritten, it should be underlined and capital Genus
What is written if species is unknown?
sp.
What is courtship?
The behaviour that takes place when different species select their mating partners
What does courtship allow individuals to do?
- Recognise members of their own species
- Identify a mate that is sexually mature and fertile to breed.
- Form a pair bond
- Synchronise mating (sperm egg meeting)
- Become able to breed (bringing opposite sex into a physiological state to breed)
How do males use courtship behaviour?
Used to determine whether a female is receptive (willing) to mating
If she responds with an appropriate behavioural response, courtship will continue
What is classification?
The grouping of organisms
What is taxonomy?
The theory and practice of biological classification
The two types of biological classification?
Artificial classification and Phylogenetic classification
What is artificial classification?
The dividing of organisms based on differences useful at the time.
Example - colour, size, number of legs etc
What is an analogous characteristic?
Characteristics that are the same but have different evolutionary origins
Example - Birds and butterflies both have wings but originated in different ways
What is phylogenetic classification?
Based on evolutionary relationships with their ancestors
