2.1 Biodiversity and Classification Flashcards
Define classification
Process of naming and organising organisms into groups based on their characteristics and evolution history.
List 7 groups in the hierarchy of taxons, largest to smallest.
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Gene
Species
Name 5 kingdom classification system.
Animalia
Fungi
Plantae
Prokaryotae
Protoctista
Name 3 domain classification system
Archaea
Bacteria
Eukarya
What do the same domain have in common?
Share distinctive pattern of rRNA
Outline the features of the kingdom Prokaryotae
Unicellular prokaryotes
Lacks true nucleus and membrane bound
Rigid cell wall
What is DNA profiling
Method to determine the characteristics of an individuals DNA
State the advantages of using biochemical methods of classification
Reduce mistakes made from observing physical features alone due to morphological convergence.
State homologous features
Evolved from same structure for different functions.
Indicate a common ancestor.
e.g. pentadactyl limb (in mammals, reptiles, birds)
State analogous features
Structures that have evolved independently for same functions
e.g. wings of birds and insects
Define species
Group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
2 components to a binomial name
Generic name = the Genus to which the organism belongs
Specific name = species the organism belongs to
Advantage of the binomial naming system
universal; an organisms binomial name is the same everywhere in world.
Define biodiversity
Number and variety of living organisms in a given region.
Affected by environmental, genetic and human factors.
Name the mechanism that has generated biodiversity
Natural selection
When measuring biodiversity of a habitat, what must ecologists consider?
Species richness
Species evenness
Define species richness
Number of different species found within an area
Define species evenness
Number of individuals of each species living together in a community
How can biodiversity in a habitat be assessed?
Simpsons Diversity Index
What is Simpsons Diversity Index
A measurement of diversity that considers both species richness and evenness
Value between 0-1
Closer to 1= greater biodiversity
What is polymorphism?
The presence of different phenotypes among members of a single species.
How can biodiversity be assessed at a molecular level?
Using DNA fingerprinting and sequencing
What is DNA sequencing?
Determining the entire DNA nucleotide base sequence of an organism
How is DNA sequencing used to measure biodiversity?
Comparison between members of the same species can identify variations in base sequences and hence estimate genetic diversity
