Species and taxonomy Flashcards
What is the main thing that a species has in common?
They are capable of breeding to produce living, fertile offspring
What did Carl Linnaeus create?
The binomial naming system
What are the features of the binomial system?
- It is universal
-1st name, generic name, is genus where the organisms belongs - 2nd name, specific name, is species where organism belongs
What do members of the same species have and what does this mean?
Similar or the same genes and so resemble one another physically and biochemically
How does it help members of the same species to have similar or the same genes?
Allows them to distinguish members of their own species from those of others
How can individuals recognise members of their own species and why?
By the way they act - the behaviour of members of the same species is more alike than that of members of different species
What is the ability to display a behaviour by?
It is genetically determined - and it has evolved
What does the ability to display a behaviour influence?
The chances of survival
What is essential for the survival of species?
Courtship and mating
What is the means by which a species can survive over time?
Reproduction
How do individuals ensure that their DNA is passed on to the next generation?
They have adaptations that ensure their DNA is passed on through the reproductive process
Why do we need to ensure mating is succesful?
As females of most species only produce eggs at specific times - mating needs to be succesful so that offspring have the maximum chance of survival
What does courtship behaviour enable individuals to do?
- Recognise members of their own species
- Identify a mate that is capable of breeding
- Form a pair bond which leads to succesful mating and raising of offsprings
- Synchronise mating so it takes place at maximum probability of succesful reproduction
- Become able to breed
How do males see if they are at the stage of their reproductive cycle?
By detecting their behaviour patterns
During courtship, what do animals use to communicate with a potential mate and members of their own sex?
Signals
What is another way that individuals recognise that their partner is of the same species?
There is a chain of actions between males and females - it is the same for all members of a species but differs for members of different species
