Classification

Question 1

Define taxonomy

Answer 1

The study of organisms and their organisation into a hierarchy

Question 2

Give order of taxons

Answer 2

Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species

Question 3

Define species

Answer 3

A group of organisms with similar characteristics that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring

Question 4

In ‘Homo sapiens’, what is each word describing?

Answer 4

Homo (CAPITAL LETTER): genus

sapiens: species

Question 5

What is artificial classification?

Answer 5

• The organisation of species into groups according to differences that are useful, colour, size, leaf shape etc.

Question 6

What is natural classification?

Answer 6

• based on evolutionary relationships between organisms
• classifies species into groups with similar characteristics
• arranges groups into a hierarchy

Question 7

What is the difference between analogous and homologous characteristics?

Answer 7

• analogous characteristics: same function but different evolutionary origins (wings of butterfly and bird)
• homologous characteristics: same evolutionary origins but may have different functions (wings of bird and arm of human)

Question 8

What does a phylogeny tree show?

Answer 8

Evolutionary relationships between organisms