Unit 4 - Species and taxonomy

Question 1

What is a species?

Answer 1

A group of organisms with similar features, which can interbreed produce fertile offspring, and are reproductively isolated from other species.

Question 2

What does courtship behavior enable animals to do:

Answer 2

• Recognise their own species
• Recognise a member of opposite sex
• Approach each other without triggering aggression
• Choose a strong and healthy mate
• Form a pair bond and synchronise breeding behavior

Question 3

Binomial system

Answer 3

1. The first name, generic name, denotes which genus the organisms belongs too.
2. The second name, specific name, denotes the species which the organism belongs too.

Question 4

Definition of Classification

Answer 4

The grouping of organisms

Question 5

Definition of taxonomy

Answer 5

The theory and practice of biological classification

Question 6

Artificial classification

Answer 6

Dividing organisms using characteristics that are useful at the time.
Eg - colour of eyes and colour of hair
Analogous characteristics - Same function but not the same evoluntionary origins

Question 7

Features of Phylogenetic Classification

Answer 7

• Classifies species into groups using shared features derived from their ancestors
• Arranges the groups in a hierarchy in which smaller groups and placed in larger groups with no overlap. Each group is called a taxon

Question 8

Order of Phylogenetic Classification

Answer 8

Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species

Question 9

Phylogeny

Answer 9

Phylogeny is the study of the evolutionary history of groups of organisms.