Classification (a,b)

Question 1

What is classification?

Answer 1

Process by which living organisms are sorted into groups.

Question 2

What are the taxonomic groups in ordered hierarchy?

Answer 2

Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species

Question 3

What are hierarchical classification systems called?

Answer 3

Linnaean classification

Question 4

What is a further level to the hierarchy called?

Answer 4

Domain, it is at the top of the hierarchy

Question 5

What are the reasons for classification?

Answer 5

• to identify species easily
• to predict characteristics
• to find evolutionary links
• single classification system means worldwide use
• the system is to observe organisms

Question 6

How are organisms classified?

Answer 6

• separated into groups at each hierarchical level
• as you move down the hierarchy there are more groups but fewer organisms in each group
• organisms share more characteristics going down the groups
• ends in species; smallest unit of classification

Question 7

What is a species?

Answer 7

A group of organisms that are able to reproduce to produce fertile offspring. E.g. humans = Homo sapiens

Question 8

What is taxonomy?

Answer 8

Taxonomy is the study of classification

Question 9

What is binomial nomenclature and how does it work?

Answer 9

The system used to name organisms. All species are given a scientific name consisting of 2 parts:
- first word: organism’s genus: generic name
- second word: organism’s species: specific name
Should be in italics but if handwritten it is underlined. All lowercase except first letter.

Question 10

What is the advantage of the binomial system?

Answer 10

Ensures scientists across the world are discussing the same organism - making it easier to share research + communicate.