Classification Flashcards
What is classification
The arrangement of organisms into groups of various sizes on the basis of shared features
What is taxonomy
Form of classification that focuses on physical similarities between different species
What is phylogeny
Classification of organisms by their evolutionary relationships so every group shares a common ancestor
Three reasons for classification
-to identify species using clearly defined systems
-predict characteristics-if others in group have specific characteristics likely others in same group will have same
-find evolutionary links-evolved from common ancestors
What is binomial name
Genus (upper case) + species(lower case)
-if subspecies identified an extra name is added to name at end in lower case
Who introduced first formal system of taxonomy
Linnaeus
Linnaean classification system
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
What is phylogenies species concept
Defines a species by its evolutionary lineage, where two lines diverge sufficiently they are called separate species (hard to decide if sufficiently diverged)
Problems with defining species as interbreed to give fertile offspring
Geographical separation, only applies to organisms that reproduce sexually, if species extinct/ sterile
What are the five kingdoms in Linnaean system
Plantae, Animalia, Fungi, Protista and Prokaryotae
What is an autotroph
Organisms able to manufacture its own sugars from simple molecules by photosynthesis eg plants
What is a heterotroph
Organism dependent on other organisms for food eg animals
What does saprophytic mean
Organism that eats dead matter
Describe plantae kingdom
-autotrophs, cellulose cell wall, have nucleus and microtubules, eg trees and mosses
Describe animalia kingdom
-multicellular heterotrophs, have nervous and muscular systems so can react quickly to environmental stimuli, mobile so can move spontaneously and voluntarily
