Lesson 7 Flashcards
Taxonomy
science of naming and organizing organisms into related groups
Carl Linnaeus made it
binomial name
Linnaeus system
Consists of genus name (generic) and specific epithet. Italicized.
eg) Tyrannosaurus rex
genus -> epithet
capitalized -> uncapitalized
Genus
Can be different species but belong to the same one.
If shared – Similar in overall form.
Specific Epithets
May be shared by many organisms regardless of closeness in relation.
Rule of Priority
Once a species is officially given binomial name it STAYS the same.
The name must be unique too
1. Rule of priority
2. Biologist writes unique characteristics and description of species
3. Peer review until reasonable
Holotype Specimen
Physical example of the new species
- must be kept in research institution so scientists cant study /verify it
- does not have to be complete
Hesperonchyus elizabethae
a small Dromaeousaurid theropod holotype specimen.
- Partial pelvis with several unique feathers
- Adult– ilium pubis fused
– SPlit in shelf of ilium
Interspecific variation
Differ in morphology bc they belong to different species
Intraspecific variation
Animals belonging to same species but have different morphologies
Sexual Variation (Dimorphism)
Males and females of same species look different
Ontogenetic Variation
Variation between old and young individuals of same species
Individual Variation
Normal variation that exists among same-species individuals
Taphonomic Variation
Taphanomic processes that can change bone shape
eg) plastic deformation
Biological species concept
What is the problem?
Defines species:
Group of organisms that can successfully interbeed.
Problem: Can’t apply to asexual reproducers or extinct species (because you can’t verify how they bred)
Population
Any grouping (species) of organisms that live in same geographic area and interbreed.
- One or more populations can make up a single species.