Classification

Question 1

What makes two beings part of the same species?

Answer 1

1. Can breed to produce living, fertile offspring
2. Very similar genes, resemble each other physically and biochemically. Similar developmental patterns, immunological features and occupy the same ecological niche.

Question 2

Binomial naming system

Answer 2

The first generic name denotes the genus to which the organism belongs, like a surname. The second specific name denotes the species, and is never shared by other species in the same genus.

Question 3

Rules to writing in the binomial system

Answer 3

If typing, use italics, if handwritten, underline.
The first letter of the generic name is capitalised, but not the specific name.
An unknown specific name is written as ‘sp.’

Question 4

Classification vs taxonomy

Answer 4

Classification is the grouping of organisms, while taxonomy is the theory and practice of biological classification.

Question 5

Artificial classification

Answer 5

Divides organisms according to differences which are useful at the time such as size, colour, etc

Question 6

Analogous characteristics

Answer 6

Same function, different origins. Eg/ bird and butterfly wings

Question 7

Natural classification

Answer 7

Based on evolutionary relationships between organisms and their ancestors, it classifies species using shared features and arranges groups into a hierarchy with no overlap.

Question 8

Homologous characteristics

Answer 8

Similar evolutionary origins regardless of function eg/ front leg of a horse, arm of a human.

Question 9

Order of classification

Answer 9

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Question 10

King Penguins Climb Over Frozen Grassy Slopes

Answer 10

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Question 11

Phylogeny

Answer 11

The evolutionary relationship between organisms