Diversity and Classification Flashcards
The way in which living organisms are divided into groups
Classification
The scientific practice of grouping organisms based on shared characteristics
Taxonomy
Large groups that are divided into progressively smaller groups with no overlap between the groups
Hierarchical system
Based on evolutionary history of organisms
i.e. their common ancestry
Phylogenetic
Species…
A group of organisms with similar characteristics that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
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Domain Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
Family taxonomic rank ends in…
ae
Clarifying evolutionary relationships through:
- Genome Sequencing
- Comparing amino acids
- Immunological comparisons
Genome sequencing…
Entire base sequence of DNA can be compared to another piece of DNA to see how closely related they are - similarity of bases or not
Comparing amino acids is…
when the sequence of amino acids in a protein is coded for by the base sequence in DNA
Immunological comparison are…
when similar proteins will also bind to the same antibodies
Infertile offspring cannot undergo meiosis. Why?
Odd number of homologous chromosomes to pair up so no gametes are formed.
Give three problems in classifying organisms as distinct species
- Most species did not leave fossils
- Considerable variation with any one species
- Cannot be tested on organisms that use asexual reproduction
Why is Courtship Behaviour useful for investigating species?
It can identify members of the same species who can produce fertile offspring
Give two ways in which courtship increases the probability of successful mating?
- Enables recognition of the same species
- Indicates if they are fertile
- Formation of a pair bond
- Organism is sexually mature