Classification of Organisms

Question 1

Define phylogeny

Answer 1

The study of the evolutionary history of groups of organisms

Question 2

What does a phylogenetic tree show?

Answer 2

How all organisms have evolved from a common ancestor. The first branch represents a common ancestor of all family members. Each of the following branches represent another common ancestor from which a different group diverged

Question 3

Define taxonomy

Answer 3

The science of classification - involves naming organisms an organising them into groups

Question 4

Explain the groups in taxonomy

Answer 4

There are 8 levels of groups, called taxa. Each group is called a taxon. The groups are arrange in a hierarchy, with the largest group at the top and the smallest groups at the bottom. As you move down the hierarchy, there are more groups at each level but fewer organisms in each group

Question 5

What are the eight levels in a hierarchy?

Answer 5

1. Domain
2. Kingdom
3. Phylum
4. Class
5. Order
6. Family
7. Genus
8. Species

Question 6

Define species

Answer 6

A species is a group of similar organisms able to reproduce to give fertile offspring

Question 7

What is the nomenclature used for classification called?

Answer 7

The binomial system

Question 8

Explain the binomial system

Answer 8

The first part of the name is the genus name and has a capital letter. The second part is the species name and begins with a lower case letter

Question 9

What is courtship behaviour?

Answer 9

It is carried out by organisms to attract a mate of the right species

Question 10

Courtship behaves is species specific, explain

Answer 10

Only members of the same species will do and respond to that courtship behaviour. This allows members of the same species to recognise each other, preventing interbreeding and making reproduction more successful