Chapter 2 - Classification of Living Organisms

Question 1

Define the term “taxonomy”

Answer 1

The branch of Biology which deals with identifying, naming and classifying organisms into different groups called taxa.

Question 2

Name five features of homologous structures

Answer 2

1. Similar structure 2. Similar in development and position 3. Share common ancestors 4. Not similar in function 5. Look different

Question 3

Name three ways in which evolutionary relationships can be determined

Answer 3

1. Biochemistry 2. The composition of nucleic acids 3. Cell proteins

Question 4

Name three features of the anologous series

Answer 4

1. Similar in function 2. Differ in structure and illustrate only superficial resemblances. 3. Share no common ancestor

Question 5

Suggest six reasons for classification of living organisms

Answer 5

1. Identify unknown organisms 2. Tell about evolution 3. Makes the studying of organisms easier 4. Keep track of organisms 5. Sort organisms into order 6. To communicate globally about organisms

Question 6

Describe the binomial system for 10 marks

Answer 6

1. The Binomial system is in Latin 2. Consists of two parts 3. First part - Genus 4. Second part - Species 5. Generic name with CAPITAL LETTER 6. Specific name with lowercase letter 7. Must be typed in itallics 8. Must be underlined seperately when written 9. When written repeatedly - H. sapiens 10. Used globally by scientists

Question 7

If there are 10 organisms to identify, state the number of pairs of descriptions required in the dichotomous key

Answer 7

9