Classification

Question 1

Why do we classify? Outline 4 reasons why we classify organisms

Answer 1

1. Classifying organisms is a way of organising information, accounts for large number of species on earth
2. Allows biologists to analyse information about organisms, allowing for comparison and evaluation of data
3. Allows communication with oDefine Taxa/Taxonomic levelther biologists who may have found the same information
4. Classification allows for invasive species to be identified more easily and quickly

Question 2

Define taxa/taxonomic level

Answer 2

A group of organisms that form a hierarchy; the major taxa are; domains, kingdom, phyla, class, order, family, order, genus, species

Question 3

What is the initial division of life and outline each

Answer 3

the initial division of life is domain

B.A.E

Bacteria - Prokaryotic, no nucleus or membrane bound organelles -> Microscopic single celled

Archaea - Prokaryotic, no nucleus or membrane bound organelles ->Microscopic single celled, known for living in extreme conditions

Eukarya - Eukaryotes, contain DNA within a nucleus and membrane bound organelles

Question 4

Outline the 6 kingdoms

Answer 4

Angry - Animalia - includes all animal life, mammals , insects and sea sponges

Patrick - Planate - Includes all plant life - mosses, ferns and flowering plants

Poured - Protista - Includes amoebae

Flower - Fungi - includes yeasts mushrooms and moulds

And - Archaea - Microscopic, single celled organism

Beans - Bacteria - Microscopic, single celled organisms

Question 5

What is a binomial name and what is it comprised of ?

Answer 5

All organisms have a binomial name (scientific name). A binomial name consists of two parts; the genus and the species.

Question 6

Outline how a binomial name is written

Answer 6

1. The genus name’s first letter is capitalised
2. The species name is not capitalised
3. When handwritten, the name is underlined
4. When in print the name is italicised

Question 7

Outline 3 characteristics of an organism that can be used to classify

Answer 7

Physical Characteristics - Physical Characteristics (morphological characteristics) can be used to classify organisms e.g. symmetry, back bone or no?

Methods of reproduction - Reproduction is a fundamental characteristic of life on earth. E.g. organisms may reproduce sexually (mixing of gametes) or asexually (without mixing of gametes)

Molecular sequences - Chemical sequences in molecules such as DNA and proteins can be used to classify organisms. ATCG bases. DNA classification is more useful when morphological data is not clear. Proteins are made of amino acids, this can vary between organisms and thus can be used to classify.

Question 8

What is an amino acid

Answer 8

A nitrogen containing compound that is the building block of proteins