classification systems Flashcards
state the taxonomic hierarchy in order of largest to smallest
domain
kingdom
phylum
class
order
family
genus
species
describe the ‘phylum’
major subdivision of the kingdom containing all groups of organisms that have the same body plan
describe the ‘class’
a group of organisms which possess the same general traits, for example: arachnids have 8 legs
why are organisms classified?
identify species
predict characteristics
find evolutionary links
what is a ‘species’?
a group of organisms able to reproduce fertile offspring
how are species named (binomial nomenclature)?
first word = organism’s genus
second word = organism’s species
why is classification important? (3 points)
enables scientists to share information provides information about an organism based on members of the same group
allows accurate identification of an organism
what is the advantage of the binomial naming system?
it avoids confusion between scientists around the world because common names differ from region to region
ligers are the offspring of male lions and female tigers. why are they not considered a species?
the lion and tiger are classed as species because they can reproduce to produce fertile offspring. ligers cannot reproduce and produce more ligers so are not considered a species.
