Classification and Evolution Flashcards
Why do we classify organisms?
To identify species and avoid confusion
To predict characteristics
To find evolutionary links
Define classification?
Classification is known as the grouping of organisms
What is taxonomy?
A form of classification that focuses on similarities between different species for easy of naming and identification
What is phylogeny?
A way of classifying organisms to show the evolutionary relationships between them so that every group shows a common ancestor
What is artificial classification?
When organisms are divided according to similarities and differences eg. Colour, size
What is natural classification?
Divided based upon evolutionary relationships between organisms and their ancestors.
What is the order of classification?
Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
What is binomial naming?
The Latin naming of organisms using their genus and species
What does the first part of binomial naming include?
The first part indicates the genus which starts with a capital letter
What is the second part of binominal naming?
The second part indicated the species which starts with a lower case letter
Why is binomial naming still used?
It is in latin. Which is a universal language all scientists can understand. This prevents confusion caused by using common names.
What is molecular systematics?
Molecular systematics uses molecules such as DNA, RNA and protein amino acids to interpret the evolutionary relationships between organisms.
What are the 3 domains?
Eukarya
Archaea
Bacteria
What are eubacteria?
Found in all environments - bacteria you’re familiar with
What are Archaebacteria
Ancient bacteria, can live in extreme environments eg. Hot vents, anaerobic conditions and highly acidic environments
What is the evidence for evolution?
Palaeontology
Comparative anatomy
Comparative biochemistry
Features of Fungi
Eukaryotic
Can exist as single cells or they have a mycelium that consists of hyphae
Walls made of chitin
Cytoplasm that is multinucleate
Mostly free-living and sacrophytic
Features of animalia
Eukaryotic
Multicellular
Heterotrophic
Usually able to move around
Features of plantae
Eukaryotic
Multicellular
Cells surrounded by cellulose wall
Autotrophic
Contain chlorophyll
Feature of prokaryotae
No nucleus; loop off DNA
Naked DNA (no histones)
No membrane bound organelles
Smaller ribosomes
May be free living or parasitic
Features of protoctista
Eukaryotic
Mostly single celled
Show a wide variety of forms
Mostly free living
Autotrophic or heterotrophic nutrition
What are adaptations?
The ability of living organisms to adjust themselves to better fit their surroundings
What are the three types of adaptation?
Anatomical
Behavioural
Physiological
What do physical adaptations affect?
Physical structures/features (internal and external)