Species and taxonomy Flashcards
Define species
A group of organisms with similar characteristics that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
How are organisms identified (named)?
Through the binomial system.
First name = Genus (must be capital letter)
Second name = species (must be lowercase)
What is courtship behaviour?
The behaviour of members of the same species is more alike than that of members of a different species - this allows individuals to recognise members of their species by the way they act, leading to mating and reproduction
Genetically determined and will evolve over time to increase chances of survival.
Why is courtship behaviour important?
- species recognition
- mating compatibility
- pair bond formation
- synchronised mating
What is the importance of species recognition?
ensures that mating can only take place between members of the same species, so fertile offspring will be produced
What is the importance of mating compatibility?
Differences in size/shape may make mating physically impossible
What is the importance of pair bond formation?
Gives offspring the best possible chance of survival, will lead to successful mating and raising of offspring
What is the importance of synchronised mating?
Females will only be receptive to courtship behaviour when they are fertile, which allows the male to determine whether breeding will occur or not
What is the stimulus-response chain of courtship behaviour?
Stimulus - the male will carry out an action which acts as a stimulus to the female
Response - the female will respond with an action of her own. This acts as a stimulus to the male to carry out a further action
Chain - this generates a chain of stimuli and responses. Chains are the same for members of the same species, so both individuals can identify if they are from the same species and that they are ready to mate
The longer the courtship sequence, the more likely that mating will result. An inappropriate response will end the chain
If the female does not exhibit typical courtship behaviour, what does this suggest?
- not fertile
- from a different species
What is artificial classification?
Divides organisms according to differences that are useful at the time eg. colour, size, number of legs etc.
Described as analogous characteristics (same function but different evolutionary origins) eg. wings that originated in different ways
What is phylogenetic classification?
- based upon evolutionary relationships between organisms and their ancestors
What is a domain?
The highest taxonomic rank
What are the three recognised domains?
- bacteria
- archaea
- eukarya
What is the order of taxonomic ranks?
Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
(dear king philip came over for good soup)