biological classification Flashcards

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1
Q

: What is biological classification?

A

Biological classification is the systematic categorization of living organisms based on shared characteristics.

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2
Q

What is taxonomy?

A

Taxonomy is the science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms.

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3
Q

Who is known as the father of taxonomy?

A

Carl Linnaeus is known as the father of taxonomy.

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4
Q

What is the highest taxonomic rank?

A

The highest taxonomic rank is the domain

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4
Q

Name the three domains of life

A

The three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

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5
Q

What is a species?

A

A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring

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5
Q

What are the five kingdoms of life according to the Whittaker system?

A

The five kingdoms are Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

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6
Q

What is binomial nomenclature?

A

Binomial nomenclature is a two-part naming system for species, consisting of the genus name and species identifier.

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7
Q

How are organisms grouped in a taxonomic hierarchy?

A

Organisms are grouped into hierarchical levels: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.

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8
Q

What is a genus?

A

: A genus is a group of closely related species that share a common ancestor.

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9
Q

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and organelles.

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10
Q

Name a characteristic of Archaea.

A

Archaea are known for thriving in extreme environments, such as hot springs and salt lakes.

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11
Q

: What are the main characteristics of fungi?

A

Fungi are heterotrophic, have cell walls made of chitin, and reproduce via spores.

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12
Q

What distinguishes plants from other kingdoms?

A

Plants are autotrophic, performing photosynthesis using chlorophyll and have cell walls made of cellulose.

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13
Q

What is a phylogenetic tree?

A

A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among organisms.

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14
Q

What is cladistics?

A

Cladistics is a method of classification based on common ancestry and branching evolutionary lineages.

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15
Q

Define homologous structures.

A

Homologous structures are body parts in different species that share a common ancestry, despite differing functions.

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16
Q

What are analogous structures?

A

Analogous structures are body parts in different species that have similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

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17
Q

What is a taxon?

A

A taxon is a group of one or more populations of organisms that form a unit in a classification system.

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18
Q

What is the significance of the Linnaean system?

A

The Linnaean system provides a standardized method for naming and classifying organisms, promoting clear communication in biology.

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19
Q

What is a family in biological classification?

A

A family is a higher taxonomic rank that groups together related genera.

20
Q

Name an example of a kingdom within the domain Eukarya.

A

An example is the kingdom Animalia.

21
Q

What are the main characteristics of the kingdom Animalia?

A

Animals are multicellular, heterotrophic, and lack cell walls.

22
Q

Define the term “endemic species.”

A

Endemic species are organisms that are native to and found only in a specific geographic area.

23
Q

What is the role of a taxonomist?

A

A taxonomist studies and classifies organisms, identifying and naming new species.

24
Q

What is a subspecies?

A

A subspecies is a taxonomic category that ranks below species, indicating a distinct population within a species.

25
Q

What is the difference between natural and artificial classification?

A

Natural classification is based on evolutionary relationships, while artificial classification is based on arbitrary criteria.

26
Q

What is morphological classification?

A

Morphological classification categorizes organisms based on physical characteristics and structures.

27
Q

What is biochemical classification?

A

Biochemical classification groups organisms based on similarities in their biochemical processes and molecular structures.

28
Q

What is the significance of ribosomal RNA in classification?

A

Ribosomal RNA sequences provide insights into evolutionary relationships among organisms and are used in phylogenetic studies.

29
Q

What is an invasive species?

A

An invasive species is a non-native organism that spreads rapidly and causes harm to the environment or native species.

30
Q

What is a dichotomous key?

A

A dichotomous key is a tool that allows for the identification of organisms based on a series of choices between contrasting characteristics.

31
Q

Name an example of a phylum within the kingdom Animalia.

A

An example is Chordata, which includes vertebrates.

32
Q

What is the function of a taxonomic key?

A

A taxonomic key aids in the identification of organisms based on specific traits and characteristics.

33
Q

What is the significance of DNA sequencing in classification?

A

DNA sequencing allows scientists to determine genetic relationships among organisms, leading to more accurate classifications.

34
Q

Define the term “phylogeny.”

A

Phylogeny is the evolutionary history and relationships among a group of organisms.

35
Q

What are traits used in classification?

A

Traits used in classification can include morphological, anatomical, genetic, and behavioral characteristics.

36
Q

What is the importance of conservation biology in taxonomy?

A

Conservation biology uses taxonomy to identify and protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.

37
Q

What is the impact of hybridization on classification?

A

Hybridization can complicate classification by creating organisms that blur the lines between established species.

38
Q

What is a clade?

A

A clade is a group of organisms that includes a common ancestor and all its descendants

39
Q

What is the role of the International Code of Nomenclature?

A

The International Code of Nomenclature provides rules for naming organisms to ensure consistency and stability in taxonomy.

40
Q

What does “polyphyletic” mean in classification?

A

Polyphyletic refers to a group that does not include the most recent common ancestor of its members, indicating a mixed lineage.

41
Q

What is a paraphyletic group?

A

A paraphyletic group includes a common ancestor but not all its descendants.

42
Q

What is the significance of fossil evidence in classification?

A

Fossil evidence provides insights into the evolutionary history of organisms and their relationships over time.

43
Q

Name a characteristic of the kingdom Protista.

A

Protists are primarily unicellular or simple multicellular organisms that can be autotrophic or heterotrophic.

44
Q

What is the importance of evolutionary relationships in classification?

A

Understanding evolutionary relationships helps clarify how species are related and aids in predicting characteristics of organisms.

44
Q

What is a phylogenetic species concept?

A

The phylogenetic species concept defines a species as the smallest group of individuals that share a common ancestor.

45
Q

What is a fossil?

A

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, providing evidence for evolution and classification.

46
Q

How do environmental factors influence classification?

A

Environmental factors can drive adaptation and speciation, affecting how organisms are classified based on their traits.

47
Q

What is a biological key?

A

A biological key is a guide used to identify organisms based on observable characteristics and traits.