species and taxonomy

Question 1

define species

Answer 1

physically, biochemically, developmentally and immunologically they occupy the same ecological niche
can breed to produce living fertile offspring

Question 2

what is classification

Answer 2

the grouping of organisms

Question 3

what is taxonomy

Answer 3

the theory and practice of classification

Question 4

why is taxonomy important

Answer 4

there are millions of species
many of them have similar features that allow us to put them into groups
allows us to make some order out of the great diversity of living things on the planet

Question 5

what does a phylogenetic system do

Answer 5

shows an evolutionary relationship with a common ancestor

Question 6

what is hierarchy

Answer 6

groups within groups
no overlap between the groups
groups larger at the top

Question 7

what is each group known as

Answer 7

taxon

Question 8

what does binomial mean

Answer 8

two name system

Question 9

what is the advantage of using a binomial system

Answer 9

clarity
stability
uniqueness

Question 10

what does universally identified mean

Answer 10

a species has the same binomal wherever you are in the world and whatever language you speak

Question 11

why is courtship behaviour a necessary precursor to successful mating

Answer 11

allows animals to recognise members of their own species
identify a mate that is capable of breeding- sexually mature and receptive
form a pair bond- to successfully raise young
synchronise mating- maximum probability of sperm meeting an egg