Species and Taxonomy

Question 1

Define species

Answer 1

A group of organisms with similar characteristics that are able to breed to produce fertile offspring

Question 2

Explain the function of courtship behaviour

Answer 2

Synchronise mating

Identify members of the same species

Question 3

What is phylogenetic classification?

Answer 3

This is based on the evolutionary relationship between different organisms and classifies species into groups used shared features from their ancestors. The groups are arranged into a hierarchy

Question 4

Define hierarchy (in terms of classification)

Answer 4

Groups within groups with no overlap

Question 5

State the different taxonomic groups in order

Answer 5

Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species

Question 6

How are organisms named?

Answer 6

They named using the binomial system

The first name is the generic name and denotes the genus.
The second name is the specific name and denotes the species.

Question 7

What is artificial classification? This divides organisms into categories based on differences that are useful at the time e.g. colour

Answer 7

number of legs etc.

Question 8

What is phylogeny? The evolutionary relationship between organisms