10.1: Species and Taxonomy Flashcards
Species
The basic unit of classification, individuals of a single species are capable of breeding together to produce living, fertile offspring.
system for naming species
Binomial system
Binomial system
Universal system for naming species. With two names.
Names in the binomial system
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Generic name
Specific name
Generic name
Denotes the genus an organism belongs to. (First name)
Specific name
Denotes the species the organism belongs to (second name.)
Rules for binomial system
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- Names are in italics/ underlined when handwritten
- first letter of generic name is in upper case and all of specific name is in lower case.
- if specific name unknown write ‘sp’
Courtship behaviour enables individuals to:
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- Recognise members of their own species
- identify a mate that is capable of breeding
- form a pair bond
- synchronise mating
- become able to breed
Classification
The grouping of organisms.
Taxonomy
The theory and practice of biological classification.
Two forms of classification
Artificial and phylogenetic
Artificial classification
Divides organisms according to differences that are useful at the time. Eg: size, leaf shape, colour etc…
Phylogenetic classification
A hierarchy which contains groups that are classifies species into groups using shared features from their ancestors.
What is Phylogenetic classification based on?
Evolutionary relationships between organisms and their ancestors and homologous characteristics.
Groups within a phylogenetic biological classification called
Taxon (taxa plural)
Three types of domain
Bacteria
Archaea
Eukarya
Domain
The highest taxonomic rank.
Bacteria
Domain
Group of single-celled prokaryotes.
Features of bacteria
- no membrane-bound organelles
- unicellular
- cell walls made of murein
- single loop of DNA
Archaea
Domain
Group of single-called prokaryotes that were originally classed as bacteria which they resemble in appearance.
Archaea features that mean they differ from bacteria:
- genes and protein synthesis more similar to eukaryotes
- no murein in their cell walls
- more complex form of RNA polymerase
Eukarya
Domain
A group of organisms made up one or more eukaryotic cells.
Features of eukarya
- membrane bound organelles in their cells
- some possess a cell wall but none with murein
- larger ribosomes (80S) than in bacteria archaea
Phyla
The largest groups within each kingdom.
