Classification of Living Things

Question 1

What are the three classification systems?

Answer 1

physical features, methods of reproduction and molecular sequences

Question 2

What is the Linnaean system?

Answer 2

named after ‘father’ of taxonomy Carl Linnaeus

based classification on reproductive system in plant and animals on similar physical features

Question 3

Define homologous structures

Answer 3

similar structures with different functions which indicates shared ancestry (evidence of divergent evolution)

Question 4

What is an example of homologous structures?

Answer 4

Whale fin and human arm bone structure are similar, suggesting they shared a common ancestor

Question 5

Define analogous structures?

Answer 5

structures with a similar function but no structural relationship (evidence of convergent evolution)

Question 6

What is an example of analogous structures?

Answer 6

Butterflies and birds wings are not from common ancestor

Question 7

What are limitations of Linnaean classification?

Answer 7

it doesn’t account for molecular evidence, physical similarities not always result of close relationships, reproductive similarities can show the ability to respond to changes in the environment, genetic similarities more accurately show evolutionary relationships

Question 8

What is the taxonomic classification?

Answer 8

D - Domain 
K - Kingdom
P - Phylum 
C - Class
O - Order
F - Family 
G - Genus 
S - Species

Question 9

How do scientists name organisms?

Answer 9

using binomial nomenclature (genus species)