4.5 Species and Taxonomy

Question 1

Define species

Answer 1

A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring

Question 2

What are the advantages of courtship behaviour

Answer 2

Individuals can recognise sexually mature members of their own species of the opposite sex, synchronising mating, form a pair bond, and successfully breed

Question 3

Define classification

Answer 3

The process of arranging organisms into groups

Question 4

Name the eight groups in the classification hierarchy, from largest to smallest

Answer 4

Domain —> kingdom —>phylum —>class —>order —>family —>genus —>species

Question 5

What system is used to give species a universal name?

Answer 5

Binomial naming system

Question 6

What are the two components to a binomial name?

Answer 6

Generic name = the genus the organism belongs to. Two closely related species will share the same genus

Specific name= the species the organism belongs to

Question 7

How are binomial names handwritten

Answer 7

The first letter of the generic name should be capitalised, with the rest in lowercase, the whole name should be underlined

Question 8

What is phylogenetic classification

Answer 8

The process of arranging organisms into groups based on their evolutionary origins and relationships

Question 9

How can we clarify evolutionary relationships between organisms

Answer 9

Analyse their molecular differences. Advances in immunology/genome sequencing provide clear pictures of how related two organisms are

Question 10

Explain hierarchical classification

Answer 10

Groups within groups with no overlap between the groups