Classification Flashcards
What is the basic definition of a species?
A group of similar organisms that can breed to produce fertile offspring
What are 3 features of the binomial naming system?
- it is universal (used by scientists globally)
- the first name (generic name) denotes the GENUS
- the second name (specific name) denotes the SPECIES
Which of the words is written with a capital letter when naming species using the binomial system?
the genus (first word)
What are 3 ways two organisms from the same species may be similar?
- physically
- biochemically
- behaviourally
What are 5 ways courtship behaviour can enable successful mating?
it enables individuals to:
- recognise members of their own species
- identify a mate that is capable of breeding/sexually mature
- form a pair bond
- synchronise mating
- become able to breed
What is the basic definition of classification?
the grouping of organisms
What is taxonomy?
the theory and practice of biological classification
what are the 2 main types of classification?
artificial and phylogenetic
How does courtship behaviour show similarity in the genetics of 2 organisms?
the more similar the courtship behaviour, the more closely related the two organisms
What are three features of phylogenetic classification?
- based on evolutionary relationships
- classifies species using shared features derived from ancestors
- arranges groups into a hierarchy
What is a hierarchy?
smaller groups arranged within larger groups, with no overlap
What is a taxon?
a group within a phylogenetic classification
Give 3 characteristics of Bacteria
- no membrane-bound organelles
- unicellular
- cell walls made of murein
- single loop of ‘naked’ DNA
Give 3 ways Archaea differ from bacteria
- no murein in cell walls
- membranes contain fatty acid chains attached to glycerol
- genes and protein synthesis is more similar to eukaryotes
