Chapter 10 Biodiversity

Question 1

What is the binomial system?

Answer 1

A way in which an organism is named. First name is GENUS second name is SPECIES.

Question 2

Why do different species look similar?

Answer 2

-Live in similar environment.
-Have similar selection pressures.
-Similar alleles will have selective advantage.
-Produces similar/same proteins and therefore similar characteristics.

Question 3

What is a hierarchy?

Answer 3

-Smaller groups arranged within larger groups.
-No overlap between groups.

Question 4

Why do we need classification systems?

Answer 4

-Understand relationships between organisms and keep track of changes.
-The system used needs to be universal.

Question 5

How do organisms get classified?

Answer 5

-DNA sequence
-mRNA sequence
-Amino acids sequence
-Immunological - comparing similarity in self antibody shape.

Question 6

How does phylogenetic classification work?

Answer 6

Arranges species into groups according to their evolutionary origins and relationships.

Question 7

What can phylogeny tell us?

Answer 7

Can show who is related to whom and how closely related they are.
All organisms have evolved from shared common ancestors.

Question 8

What is a species?

Answer 8

Group of similar organisms that can breed to produce fertile offspring.

Question 9

Why is courtship important for organisms?

Answer 9

To ensure successful reproduction.
-Enables them to recognise own species and opposite sex.
-Synchronises mating behaviour - indicates sexually mature and in season (releasing egg)
To ensure survival of offspring.
-Form a pair bond.
-Choose a strong and healthy mate.

Question 10

What is species richness?

Answer 10

Number of different species in a particular area at the particular time.

Question 11

Name farming practices which reduce biodiversity.

Answer 11

-Destruction of hedgerows.
-Selective breeding.
-Monocultures (only growing one plant species.)
-Over-grazing
-Filling in ponds and draining wetlands.