Classification

Question 1

What is the order of the groups of classification?

Answer 1

1) Kingdom
2) Phylum
3) Class
4) Order
5) Family
6) Genus
7) Species

Question 2

What is the pattern of organisms as you move towards species?

Answer 2

Fewer organisms in each group but more similarities.

Question 3

How do we classify using an artificial system?

Answer 3

Grouped together by one or two similar characteristics that make identification easier.

Question 4

How do we classify using a natural system?

Answer 4

Based of evolutionary relationships and is more detailed, more closely related = more likely to be in the same group.

Question 5

What is a species?

Answer 5

Group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

Question 6

How do we name using the binomial system?

Answer 6

1) Genus with capital letter

2) Species with lower case letter

Question 7

What is a general problem of classifying organisms?

Answer 7

Organisms can be in different stages of evolution so it is difficult to classify them, eg. the Archaeopteryx which has reptile teeth and feathers.

Question 8

What is a problem of classifying species?

Answer 8

Some organisms, such as mules, don’t have a species because they are infertile and cannot reproduce. Bacteria also don’t belong to a species because they reproduce asexually and are not called as “fertile offspring”.

Question 9

What are some similarities and differences of organisms that are grouped together?

Answer 9

Similarities: closely related, common ancestor
Differences: different features due to habitat

Question 10

Describe a dolphin’s relationship to fish and mammals.

Answer 10

It is a mammal because it is related to other mammals through evolution, however it is ecologically related to fish because they share a similar habitat.