B6 Ai Flashcards
What is DNA?
DNA is the chemical that all of the genetic material in a cell is made up from.
DNA contains all the instructions to put an organism together and make it work.
What structure do DNA molecules form?
A DNA molecule forms a double helix, which is a double-stranded spiral.
The double helix structure is made up of two strands of DNA coiled together.
Where is DNA found in cells?
DNA is found in the nucleus of animal and plant cells.
It is organized into long structures called chromosomes.
What is a chromosome?
A chromosome is a really long structure made of DNA.
Chromosomes contain many genes and are found in the nucleus.
What is a gene?
A gene is a small section of DNA found on a chromosome.
Each gene codes for a particular sequence of amino acids.
What do genes code for?
Genes code for specific proteins by determining the sequence of amino acids.
These amino acids are joined together to form proteins.
What is an organism’s genome?
A genome is the term for all of the genetic material in an organism.
Scientists have worked out the whole human genome.
Why is understanding the human genome important for medicine?
Understanding the human genome helps scientists find genes linked to diseases and develop treatments.
It also aids in studying tiny differences in genomes to understand population migration.
What are inherited diseases?
Inherited diseases are caused by faulty genes passed from parent to offspring.
These diseases can be studied through the identification of specific genes related to them.
What is sexual reproduction?
Sexual reproduction involves two parents contributing gametes to form offspring.
Gametes are specialized cells, such as eggs and sperm.
What is asexual reproduction?
Asexual reproduction involves only one parent cell producing offspring.
This process does not require gametes.
Fill in the blank: A DNA molecule is made up of two strands of DNA coiled together, forming a _______.
double helix
True or False: Each gene codes for a different type of protein.
False
Each gene codes for a specific sequence of amino acids that make up a particular protein.
What type of reproduction produces genetically different offspring?
Sexual reproduction
Sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, resulting in offspring that have a mix of genes.
What are the gametes produced by sexual reproduction?
Egg and sperm
Gametes are the reproductive cells that fuse during fertilization.
What process produces gametes in sexual reproduction?
Meiosis
Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in gametes.
What is the result of fertilization in sexual reproduction?
Fertilised egg
The fertilized egg contains a full set of chromosomes, half from each parent.
What is the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction?
Sexual reproduction involves mixing genes; asexual reproduction does not
In sexual reproduction, genetic variation occurs, while in asexual reproduction, offspring are clones of the parent.
What type of cell division is involved in asexual reproduction?
Mitosis
Mitosis is the process where one parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells.
Fill in the blank: Asexual reproduction produces genetically _______ cells.
identical
Asexual reproduction results in clones, meaning the new cells have the same genetic material as the parent cell.
What is a clone in the context of asexual reproduction?
Genetically identical new cell
A clone is an organism or cell that is genetically identical to its parent.
What is the main characteristic of offspring produced by sexual reproduction?
Variety in genes
Offspring inherit a mixture of genes from both parents, leading to genetic variation.
True or False: Asexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes.
False
Asexual reproduction does not involve gamete fusion, resulting in identical offspring.
What happens to the number of chromosomes during fertilization?
It is restored to a full set
The fertilized egg has a complete set of chromosomes, combining contributions from both parents.
What process produces gametes?
Meiosis
Gametes are produced by meiosis, which halves the number of chromosomes.
How many chromosomes do gametes have compared to normal cells?
Half the number
Gametes only have half the number of chromosomes of normal cells.
What is the first step of meiosis?
The parent cell has chromosomes in pairs
Each parent contributes half of the chromosomes.
What happens to the DNA in the parent cell before meiosis begins?
It is copied
This results in X-shaped chromosomes.
What happens after the cell divides in meiosis?
Each new cell gets half of the chromosomes
Each cell divides again to form gametes.
How many daughter cells are produced at the end of meiosis?
Four
These daughter cells are the gametes.
What is unique about each gamete?
They are genetically different
Each has a different combination of the mother’s and father’s chromosomes.
How many pairs of chromosomes do humans have?
23 pairs
This includes 22 matched pairs and one pair that determines sex.
What are the sex chromosomes in humans?
XX for females, XY for males
The 23rd pair consists of these chromosomes.
What happens during fertilization?
Two gametes fuse together
This forms a new cell with the normal number of chromosomes.
What is the result of the new cell after fertilization?
It divides by mitosis
This produces many new cells that form an embryo.
What occurs as the embryo develops?
Cells differentiate
They become specialized types of cells that make up a whole organism.
In which organs does meiosis occur in humans?
Reproductive organs
Meiosis occurs in reproductive organs for making gametes.
Fill in the blank: An embryo is an _____ at an early stage of growth.
unborn baby
An embryo is an unborn baby at an early stage of growth.
True or False: Each sperm cell has either an X or a Y chromosome.
True
Sperm cells determine the sex of the offspring.
How many pairs of chromosomes are in every human body cell?
23 pairs
This includes 22 matched pairs and one pair that determines sex.
What are the two types of sex chromosomes?
X and Y chromosomes
The 23rd pair in humans determines biological sex.
What combination of sex chromosomes do males have?
XY
The Y chromosome is responsible for male characteristics.
What combination of sex chromosomes do females have?
XX
The XX combination allows female characteristics to develop.
What do all sperm cells carry in terms of sex chromosomes?
Either an X or a Y chromosome
Sperm determines the sex of the offspring based on which chromosome fertilizes the egg.
What do all egg cells carry in terms of sex chromosomes?
An X chromosome
Egg cells are always X, contributing to the sex of the offspring.
What is the purpose of a Punnett square?
To find the probability of getting a boy or a girl
It visually represents gamete combinations.
How are the possible gametes arranged in a Punnett square?
Female gametes (eggs) on the side and male gametes (sperm) on the top
The intersection shows possible offspring combinations.
What are the possible outcomes from a Punnett square with one X and one Y chromosome?
Two XX results and two XY results
Indicates equal probability of male and female offspring.
What is the probability of having a boy or a girl in terms of percentage?
50%
Each pregnancy has an independent chance of resulting in a boy or a girl.
True or False: Genetic diagrams can predict exactly what will happen.
False
They only show probabilities, not certainties.
What is the primary characteristic of the Y chromosome?
It causes male characteristics
The presence of the Y chromosome leads to male phenotype development.
Fill in the blank: All females have two ______ chromosomes.
X
This genetic makeup is crucial for female development.
What do genetic diagrams illustrate regarding sex chromosomes?
All possible ways X and Y chromosomes could combine
They depict potential genetic outcomes from parental gametes.
What is the definition of a genotype?
The mix of alleles you have
Genotype determines the genetic makeup that influences characteristics.
How many genes control characteristics in living organisms?
Different characteristics can be controlled by either a single gene or several genes
For example, mouse fur color is controlled by a single gene, while most characteristics are influenced by multiple genes.
What are alleles?
Different versions of a gene
Alleles exist in pairs in an organism’s genotype.
What does it mean to be homozygous for a characteristic?
Having two identical alleles for that characteristic
For example, BB or bb represent homozygous genotypes.
What are the phenotypes of the offspring when crossing BB and bb hamsters?
All offspring will be normal
Normal phenotype results from the dominant allele.
What is a Punnett square used for?
To show the possible genetic combinations of offspring from parent genotypes
It illustrates how alleles combine and predict offspring traits.
What is the expected ratio of normal to superpowered hamsters from a Bb x Bb cross?
3 normal : 1 superpowered
This ratio is derived from the genetic combinations shown in the Punnett square.
Fill in the blank: The characteristios you have is called your _______.
[phenotype]
True or False: The allele that causes hamsters to have superpowers is dominant.
False
The superpower allele is recessive, represented by ‘b’.
What is cystic fibrosis?
An inherited disorder caused by a recessive allele
It affects the respiratory and digestive systems.
What does polydactyl mean?
Having extra fingers or toes
This trait can be inherited and is often dominant.
What is meant by the term ‘inherited disorders’?
Conditions passed down from parents to offspring via genes
Examples include cystic fibrosis and polydactyl.
What is the role of genetic diagrams?
To show how characteristics are inherited
They provide a visual representation of allele combinations.
What type of disorder is cystic fibrosis?
Inherited disorder of cell membranes
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the function of epithelial cells in various organs.
What type of allele causes cystic fibrosis?
Recessive allele (+*)
Individuals with one copy of the allele are known as carriers and do not exhibit symptoms.
What is the phenotype of individuals with one copy of the cystic fibrosis allele?
Unaffected
Carriers do not have cystic fibrosis but can pass the allele to their offspring.
What type of disorder is polydactyly?
Inherited disorder with extra fingers or toes
Polydactyly can manifest as additional digits on hands or feet.
What type of allele causes polydactyly?
Dominant allele (D)
The presence of just one copy of the dominant allele can cause the disorder.
What is the probability of a child having polydactyly if one parent has the dominant allele?
50%
If one parent carries one D allele, there is a 50% chance for the child to inherit the disorder.
True or False: The allele for cystic fibrosis is dominant.
False
The allele for cystic fibrosis is recessive, meaning two copies are needed for the disorder to manifest.
Fill in the blank: The allele for polydactyly is _______.
dominant
This means that only one parent needs to pass on the allele for the child to potentially have the disorder.
What does the Punnett square demonstrate regarding inheritance?
Possible inheritance patterns of traits
It helps predict the probability of offspring inheriting specific alleles from their parents.
What is the inheritance pattern of cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a recessive allele, f. The dominant allele is F.
What is the chance that a new baby will have cystic fibrosis if both parents are carriers?
There is a 25% chance that the new baby will have the disorder and a 50% chance that it will be a carrier.
What are the possible genotypes of the baby in the cystic fibrosis example?
- Unaffected (FF)
- Carrier (Ff)
- Have cystic fibrosis (ff)
What is embryo screening?
Embryo screening is the process where scientists can remove a cell from each embryo to test for inherited disorders before implantation.
What are some concerns regarding embryo screening?
Concerns include ethical implications, potential discrimination against individuals with genetic disorders, and the possibility of selecting for non-health related traits.
What are arguments against embryo screening?
- Suggests people with genetic problems are not wanted
- Potential for selecting traits like eye or hair color
- Screening is expensive
What are arguments for embryo screening?
- Helps to stop people suffering
- Treating disorders costs a lot of money
- Laws exist to limit its application
Can parents currently select the sex of their baby through embryo screening?
No, parents cannot select the sex of their baby unless it is for health reasons.
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a random change in a gene.
How do mutations affect genetic variation?
Mutations produce genetic variants that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
What is the result of some mutations on an organism’s characteristics?
Some mutations can lead to new phenotypes, which may affect how the organism looks or functions.
True or False: Most genetic variants have a significant effect on an organism’s phenotype.
False.
Fill in the blank: Variation can be _______.
[genetic or environmental]
What are the two main types of variation mentioned?
- Genetic variation
- Environmental variation
What is cystic fibrosis?
A genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems.
Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene.
What does it mean to be a carrier of cystic fibrosis?
An individual who has one copy of the mutated gene but does not exhibit symptoms of the disorder.
Carriers can pass the mutated gene to their offspring.
What is variation within a species?
Differences among organisms of the same species.
Variation can occur due to genetic differences and environmental factors.
What can cause phenotypic variation?
A mixture of genes and the environment.
For example, a plant’s growth can vary based on light availability.
What is a mutation?
A random change in an organism’s DNA that can be inherited.
Mutations can lead to genetic variants.
How frequently do mutations occur?
Continuously.
Mutations can happen at any time and are a natural part of genetic variation.
What is a genetic variant?
A different form of a gene produced by mutations.
Genetic variants can affect phenotypes in various ways.
Do most genetic variants affect an organism’s phenotype significantly?
No, most have very little or no effect.
Some variants may cause slight changes, while others can lead to new phenotypes.
What is an example of a characteristic controlled by multiple genes?
Eye color.
Variants in one of the genes may cause slight changes in eye color.
What can happen if a mutation leads to a new phenotype?
It may make an individual more suited to a changed environment.
Such mutations can become common in a population through natural selection.
What role does the environment play in variation?
It influences phenotypic traits alongside genetics.
Environmental factors can modify how genes are expressed.
True or False: All of a person’s traits are solely determined by their genes.
False.
Environmental factors also play a significant role in determining traits.
Fill in the blank: A mutation can lead to a _______ phenotype.
new
New phenotypes can arise from significant mutations and may provide adaptive advantages.
What is the theory of evolution by natural selection?
A theory proposed by Charles Darwin stating that organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
What are the three main components of natural selection?
- Variation in characteristics among organisms
- Competition for resources
- Survival and reproduction of the fittest
What evidence supports Darwin’s theory of evolution?
- Discovery of genetics
- Fossil record
- Antibiotic resistance in bacteria
Fill in the blank: New species develop when populations of the same species change so much that they can’t _______.
breed with each other to produce fertile offspring
What causes extinction of a species?
- Rapid environmental change
- New predators
- New diseases
- Competition with new species
- Catastrophic events
True or False: Natural selection is solely about the survival of the strongest organisms.
False
What is antibiotic resistance?
The ability of bacteria to survive and reproduce despite the presence of antibiotics.
How do bacteria develop antibiotic resistance? List the steps.
- Bacteria can develop mutations
- Mutations can lead to resistance
- New strains of bacteria emerge
- Resistant bacteria are more likely to survive
- They pass on the resistance genes
Fill in the blank: Over a long period of time, the _______ of organisms can change significantly due to natural selection.
phenotype
What role do fossils play in supporting the theory of evolution?
Fossils allow scientists to observe how changes in organisms developed slowly over time.
Fill in the blank: Natural selection is about the organisms with the best _______ surviving to pass on their genes.
characteristics
What is the significance of genetic variants in evolution?
Genetic variants produce characteristics that are better adapted to the environment.
What happens to antibiotic-resistant bacteria when antibiotics are used?
They survive and reproduce, leading to an increase in resistant strains.
What is one example of a catastrophic event that can lead to extinction?
Volcanic eruption
True or False: Evolution can happen rapidly and lead to the immediate formation of new species.
False
What is the relationship between natural selection and the characteristics of organisms?
Natural selection favors organisms with characteristics that improve survival and reproduction.
Fill in the blank: The sugary nectar in some orchid flowers is found at the end of a long tube to attract _______.
moths with long tongues
What is antibiotic resistance?
The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics.
How do bacteria become antibiotic-resistant?
Through natural selection and changes in their DNA.
What happens to bacteria when exposed to antibiotics?
Non-resistant bacteria die, while resistant bacteria survive and reproduce.
What are the new strains of bacteria that develop resistance called?
Antibiotic-resistant strains.
What advantage do antibiotic-resistant bacteria have?
They can survive in a host being treated for an infection.
Fill in the blank: The gene for antibiotic resistance becomes more _______ in the population over time.
common
True or False: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria reproduce more slowly than non-resistant bacteria.
False
What are two reasons why antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a problem?
- There is no effective treatment for the infection.
- People are not immune to the new strain.
Why can antibiotic-resistant strains spread easily between people?
Because there is no immunity to the new strain.
How quickly can bacteria evolve?
Quite quickly, due to their rapid reproduction rate.
What is the first step in the process of bacteria becoming antibiotic-resistant?
Bacteria undergo changes in their DNA.
What is the overall result of antibiotic-resistant bacteria reproducing?
Increased population size of the antibiotic-resistant strain.
Fill in the blank: The ability to resist antibiotics is a _______ advantage for bacteria.
biological
What leads to the evolution of bacteria?
The passing on of the gene for antibiotic resistance to offspring.
What is antibiotic resistance?
The ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of antibiotics
Antibiotic resistance is becoming more common due to overuse and incorrect use of antibiotics.
What are two reasons antibiotic resistance is worsening?
- Antibiotics are being overused
- People aren’t using antibiotics correctly
What is E. MARA?
A relatively common ‘superbug’ that is difficult to eliminate
E. MARA refers to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
When should doctors prescribe antibiotics?
Only when absolutely necessary
Antibiotics should not be prescribed for non-serious conditions or infections caused by viruses.
Why is it important to take the full course of antibiotics?
To ensure all bacteria are destroyed and prevent mutation into antibiotic-resistant strains
What is one consequence of using antibiotics in farming?
Development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in the environment
What is selective breeding?
The process of selecting specific organisms to breed based on desired traits
This method is used to enhance certain characteristics in plants and animals.
List the steps involved in selective breeding.
- Select organisms with desired traits
- Breed them with each other
- Select the best offspring
- Continue the process
What is a potential issue with selective breeding?
It can lead to reduced genetic variation
What challenges do drug companies face in developing new antibiotics?
- Slow rate of development
- High costs of research and production
True or False: The rate of development of new antibiotics is keeping pace with the demand for new drugs.
False
What is the worrying thought regarding bacteria that are resistant to all drugs?
It may feel like going back to the time before antibiotics were invented
Fill in the blank: Selective breeding is a method used to enhance _______.
[specific traits in organisms]
What can happen if one individual in a selectively bred population has health problems?
Health issues may spread throughout the population due to shared alleles
What is selective breeding?
The process of developing specific traits in plants or animals by choosing which individuals to breed together.
What is another term for selective breeding?
‘Artificial selection.’
What are some examples of traits that can be selected in animals during selective breeding?
- Animals that produce more meat or milk.*
- Dogs with a good, gentle personality.*
- Crops with disease resistance.*
- Decorative plants with big or unusual flowers.*
What is the basic process involved in selective breeding?
- Breed selected organisms with each other.*
- Select the organisms with desired traits.*
- Select the best offspring and breed them together.*
What is a potential advantage of selective breeding?
It can lead to organisms with desirable characteristics, such as higher meat yield in cattle.
What is a major disadvantage of selective breeding?
It reduces the number of different alleles in a population.
What is inbreeding in the context of selective breeding?
Breeding closely related individuals, which increases the chance of health problems.
What health problems can arise from selective breeding?
- Inherited harmful genetic defects.*
- Increased susceptibility to diseases.*
Fill in the blank: Selective breeding can lead to a population being less likely to have alleles that make them _______ to new diseases.
resistant
How might a farmer selectively breed cattle for increased meat production?
- Select the largest cows and bulls.*
- Breed them together.*
- Select the largest offspring for further breeding.*
True or False: Selective breeding has been practiced for thousands of years.
True
What happens to a population if one individual is affected by a new disease in the context of selective breeding?
The rest of the population is likely to be affected due to lack of genetic diversity.
Provide an example of how selective breeding has changed a breed of dog.
The domestic dog originated from selective breeding of wolves, leading to breeds like poodles.
Explain how you could selectively breed for floppy ears in rabbits.
Select rabbits with floppy ears and breed them together, then select the best offspring for further breeding.
What is genetic engineering?
Changing an organism’s DNA to give it new and useful characteristics.
What are genetically modified (GM) crops?
Crops that have been genetically engineered for specific traits.
Name one benefit of genetically modified crops.
Increased resistance to herbicides.
How can genetic engineering be applied in agriculture?
To make crops resistant to insects, disease, or to improve growth characteristics.
What is one example of genetic engineering in medicine?
Bacteria genetically engineered to produce human insulin.
True or False: Genetic engineering can be used to treat inherited diseases.
True.
List three concerns about genetic engineering in animals.
- Hard to predict effects of DNA changes
- Many genetically modified embryos don’t survive
- Health problems in modified animals later in life
What is a concern about growing GM crops?
Potential negative effects on wild flower populations and insects.
Fill in the blank: Fossils are the _______ of ancient organisms.
[remains]
What evidence do fossils provide?
Information about the history of life on Earth.
Describe one method of fossil formation.
From gradual mineralization of remains in rock.
What can fossils tell us?
About the evolution of species over millions of years.
How do casts form?
When the original organism decays and leaves a mold that fills with minerals.
What is one way fossils can be preserved?
Through preservation in amber or ice.
True or False: All fossils are complete organisms.
False.
What do hypotheses about fossils indicate?
Various theories about the evolution of life.
What is a limitation when studying fossils?
Lack of soft tissue preservation.
Fill in the blank: Fossils can provide evidence of _______ changes in life forms.
[evolutionary]
What are fossils?
Fossils are the remains of plants and animals that provide information about organisms that lived long ago.
How do fossils typically form?
Fossils form in rocks in one of three ways:
* Gradual replacement by minerals
* Casts and impressions
* Preservation in places where no decay happens.
What is the process of gradual replacement by minerals in fossil formation?
Teeth, shells, and bones do not easily decay and can last a long time when buried. When they decay, they get replaced by minerals, forming a rock-like substance shaped like the original hard part.
How are casts and impressions formed?
Casts and impressions are formed when an organism is buried in soft material like clay, which hardens around it. The organism decays, leaving a cast or impression.
What conditions prevent decay in preservation fossils?
Decay microbes need oxygen, moisture, warmth, and the right pH to work. In some substances where these conditions aren’t present, like amber, decay doesn’t happen.
What are some hypotheses about the origin of life?
Hypotheses include:
* First life forms appeared in a swamp or under the sea on Earth
* Simple carbon molecules were brought here on comets and developed into life forms.
Why can’t the hypotheses about the origin of life be supported or disproved?
There is a lack of valid evidence, as many early organisms were soft-bodied and tend to decay completely, leading to an incomplete fossil record.
What geological activities can affect fossils?
Geological activities such as the movement of tectonic plates may crush fossils that were already formed in rock.
True or False: Fossils can exist millions of years after the organism died.
True.
Fill in the blank: Fossils can provide information about how much or how little different organisms have ______ as life has developed on Earth.
[changed (evolved)]
What types of materials can preserve organisms without decay?
Substances like amber, where there is no oxygen or moisture.
What is classification in biology?
Organising living organisms into groups
Classification helps in understanding the relationships between different organisms.
How were organisms classified in the past?
Based on their appearance and structures like mitochondria in cells
This method focused on observable traits.
What are the five kingdoms in the classification system?
- Animals
- Plants
- Fungi
- Prokaryotes
- Protists
Each kingdom represents a major category of life forms.
Who developed the five kingdom classification system?
Carl Linnaeus
Linnaeus is known as the father of modern taxonomy.
What are the hierarchical groups in biological classification?
- Kingdom
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species
These groups help organize living organisms in a structured manner.
What advancements have influenced classification systems over time?
Improved knowledge of internal processes and advancements in microscopy
These advancements have led to more accurate classification models.
What is the three-domain system?
A classification system made up by Carl Woese
This system categorizes organisms into three major groups based on genetic evidence.
What are the three domains in the three-domain system?
- Eukaryota
- Archaea
- Bacteria
Each domain contains organisms with distinct characteristics.
What does the Eukaryota domain include?
Fungi, plants, animals, and protists
Eukaryota includes organisms with complex cells.
What are characteristics of organisms in the Archaea domain?
Primitive bacteria that often live in extreme environments
Examples include organisms found in hot springs.
What are characteristics of the Bacteria domain?
‘True bacteria’
This domain includes a wide variety of bacterial species.
What is the binomial system of nomenclature?
A two-part naming system for organisms
It includes the genus and species names.
In the binomial system, what does the first part represent?
The genus
The genus groups species that are closely related.
In the binomial system, what does the second part represent?
The species
This identifies the specific organism within the genus.
True or False: The more recent the evolutionary traits, the more closely related the organisms are.
True
Evolutionary traits indicate common ancestry.
What do scientists look for when studying evolutionary traits?
- Living organisms
- Extinct organisms
This helps in understanding the evolutionary history of species.
What is the first part of a binomial name called?
Genus
The genus indicates the group to which the organism belongs.
What does the second part of a binomial name represent?
Species
The species identifies the specific organism within the genus.
In the binomial name ‘Homo sapiens’, what does ‘Homo’ refer to?
Genus
‘Homo’ indicates the group of human species.
In the binomial name ‘Homo sapiens’, what does ‘sapiens’ refer to?
Species
‘sapiens’ specifies the particular species of humans.
What do evolutionary trees illustrate?
Relationships among species
They show common ancestors and how species are related.
How do scientists determine relationships between extinct species?
Fossil record
Information from fossils helps scientists understand extinct species’ relationships.
What is the significance of a more recent common ancestor in evolutionary trees?
Species are more closely related
The closer the common ancestor, the more characteristics species are likely to share.
True or False: Whales and dolphins are distantly related to sharks.
True
Whales and dolphins share a recent common ancestor, making them closely related, while sharks are more distantly related.
Complete the statement: The binomial system uses _______ to classify organisms.
Latin names
This system ensures each species has a unique and universally accepted name.
What happens to the genus in a binomial name when abbreviated?
It is abbreviated to a capital letter followed by a full stop
This helps simplify the scientific name while retaining clarity.
What do extinct species refer to?
Species that don’t exist anymore
These are organisms that have no living representatives.
