Taxonomy, Variation, and Biodiversity - A9 Flashcards
Define species.
A group of organisms that are able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
What is phylogeny?
The study of evolutionary history of groups or organisms
What does phylogeny tell us about organisms?
It tells us how closely related species are.
What is shown on a phylogenetic tree?
That all organisms have evolved from a shared common ancestor.
Also shows the most recent/distant common ancestor.
What does each branch represent on a phylogenetic tree?
-Each branch point represents a common ancestor
-The first branch point represents a common ancestor of all family members - now extinct
Define hierarchy.
Groups within groups with no overlap.
True or false: taxonomy is hierarchical.
true
What is taxonomy/classification?
Naming organisms and organising them into groups- easier to identify and study
What is the taxa?
The 8 levels of groups of taxonomy - each group is called a taxon
How are the groups arranged in the taxa?
-The groups are arranged in hierarchy with the largest groups at the top.
-organisms can only belong to one group at each level ->no overlap
What are the three domains?
Eukaryota, prokaryota, archaea
What is the order of the 8 taxa?
Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
How are organisms grouped in a classification system?
Grouped by hierarchy
What are the phylogenetic groups?
Groups based on evolutionary links
What is the binomial naming system?
-first name - Genus - Caps
-last name - species- lower case
What is courtship behaviour?
Behaviour used by organisms to attract a mate of the correct species.
What are the two different types of courtship behaviour?
-simples: releasing a chemical(pheromones), using sound, visual display
-complex: dancing. building(a nest)
What does it mean if courtship behaviour is species specific?
Only members of same species will do and respond to courtship behaviour