4: GENETICS - CLASSIFICATION Flashcards
1
Q
What is phylogeny?
A
the study of the evolutionary history of groups of organisms
2
Q
What is the name of the diagram showing how organisms evolved from common ancestors?
A
a phylogenetic tree
3
Q
What is taxonomy?
A
- the science of classification
- involves naming organisms and organising them into groups which makes it easier to identify and study them
4
Q
What are animals classified using?
A
- gene/DNA sequence
- courtship behaviours
- common characteristics (behaviour, physiology, anatomy)
- evolutionary origins, evolutionary relationships and common ancestors
- immunological comparisons
5
Q
What are the 8 levels of taxa?
A
- domain
- kingdom
- phylum
- class
- order
- family
- genus
- species
6
Q
What are the 3 domains?
A
- eukarya
- bacteria
- archaea
7
Q
Why is there no overlap between taxa?
A
each organism only fits into 1 of each group
8
Q
What is a species?
A
a group of similar organisms that can reproduce to give fertile offspring
9
Q
What is the binomial system?
A
- nomenclature used to name organisms based on their classification
- 1st part is the genus and has a capital letter
- 2nd part is the species and has a lowercase letter
- written in italics/underlined if written
10
Q
What is the binomial name for humans?
A
Homo sapiens
11
Q
Why do organisms have courtship behaviours?
A
- necessary precursor to successful mating
- attracts mate of the right species (species recognition)
- prevents interbreeding
- ensures successful reproduction
12
Q
What are some examples of courtship behaviours?
A
- releasing chemicals (eg: pheromones)
- sound
- visual displays
- dancing
- building
13
Q
What would be the impact on courtship behaviour if there were fewer individuals of a species in an certain area?
A
- less courtship behaviour
- less breeding
- less successful reproduction
