Classification Flashcards
Define classification.
The process of sorting living things into groups based on similarities and differences.
Define phylogeny.
The study of evolutionary relationships between organisms,
Define taxonomy.
The study of the principles of classification.
Explain the relationship between classification and phylogeny.
Closely related species are placed in groups together. If you know the species you can group them correctly. Traditional classification is based on observable similarities and differences. Phylogeny looks at looks at how closely different species are related in an evolutionary tree.
Describe the classification of species into the taxonomic hierarchy of the kingdom system.
As you rise through the ranks of taxa species show more diversity and have less in common. Within species members are essentially the same. Groups of similar species form a genus and groups of genuses with similar characteristics form a family and so on.
Outline the characteristics of Prokaryotae (Monera).
No nucleus Loop of naked (unbound) DNA No chromosomes Smaller ribosomes Carry out respiration in mesosomes. Smaller cells May be free living or parasitic
Outline the characteristics of Protoctista
Eukaryotes
Single celled
Show a wide variety of forms
Show various plant-like or animal-like features
Mostly free living
Use autotrophic or heterotrophic nutrition
Outline the characteristics of Fungi.
Eukaryotes Have mycellium which consist of hyphae Chitin cell wall Cytoplasm which is multinucleate Mostly free living Use saprotrophic nutrition Reproduce via spores
Outline the characteristics of Plantae.
Eukaryotes Multicellular Cellulose cell wall Have chloroplasts Use autotrophic nutrition
Outline the characteristics of Animalia.
Eukaryotes Multicellular Use heterotrophic nutrition Have fertilised eggs which develop into balls of cells called blastula Usually able to move around
Outline the binomial system of nomenclature and the use of the Latin naming system.
The binomial system gives two names, (Genus species). These names are in Latin and help to avoid confusion cause using common names which may differ in different countries.
Outline the use of a dichotomous key.
A dichotomous key is a ‘yes’ ‘no’ way of identifying and naming a specimen, each question leads you to another question or a final answer. A good key has one less the number of questions than species can identify.
How has classification evolved over time?
Originally classification systems were based on anatomy, physiology and behaviour
Embryology is also used
Then fossil records added to the evidence
Biochemistry can also be used to show the evolutionary relationship between two species comparing DNA and cytochrome C.
What is the domain system?
The domain is the level above kingdom and is based on ribosomes, protein synthesis, flagella, and membrane structure.
What are the three domains?
Eubacteria
Archaebacteria
Eukaryotes
