Classification Flashcards
Define species
A group of similar organisms that can breed together to produce fertile offspring
How are species named
- generic name (genus)
- specific name (species)
What does courtship behaviour enable
- individuals can recognise members of their own species (to ensure fertile offspring)
- identify a mate that is capable of breeding (to ensure partner is sexually mature and fertile)
- form a bonding pair (ensure mating and successful raising)
- synchronise mating (maximum probability of fertilisation)
Name the two forms of classification
- artificial classification
- phylogenetic classification
What is artificial classification
Divides organisms according to differences that are useful at the time
What is phylogenetic classification
- is based upon evolutionary relationships between organisms and their ancestors
- classifies species into groups using shared features derived from their ancestors
- arranges the groups into hierarchy in which groups are contained within larger composite groups with no overlap
Give an example of artificial classification
Dividing organisms into colour, size, number of legs
What is a taxon
A group within a phylogenetic biological classification
What are the 3 different domains
- bacteria
- archaea
- eukarya
What features do bacteria have
- the absence of membrane-bound organelles
- unicellular
- ribosomes are smaller 70s
- cell walls present made of murein
- single loop of DNA
What features do Archaea have
- their genes and protein synthesis are more similar to eukaryotes
- their membranes contain fatty chains attached to glycerol by ether linkages
- no murein in cell walls
- more complex form of RNA polymerase
What features do Eukarya have
- their cells possess membrane bound-organelles
- they have membranes containing fatty acid chains attracted to glycerol by ester linkages
- ribosomes are larger 80s
What are the 4 kingdoms
- Protoctista
- Fungi
- Plantae
- Animalia
Name the ranks of the classification system
- kingdom
- phylum
- class
- order
- family
- genus
- species