species and taxonomy Flashcards
define species
physically, biochemically, developmentally and immunologically they occupy the same ecological niche
can breed to produce living fertile offspring
what is classification
the grouping of organisms
what is taxonomy
the theory and practice of classification
why is taxonomy important
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
what does a phylogenetic system do
shows an evolutionary relationship with a common ancestor
what is hierarchy
groups within groups
no overlap between the groups
groups larger at the top
what is each group known as
taxon
what does binomial mean
two name system
what is the advantage of using a binomial system
clarity
stability
uniqueness
what does universally identified mean
a species has the same binomal wherever you are in the world and whatever language you speak
why is courtship behaviour a necessary precursor to successful mating
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
