Week 2: Classification Flashcards
Classification
Process of sorting variety of different things into manageable groups
The study of biological classification is called
taxonomy or systematics
Why is a universally accepted system of classification important?
so scientists can identify species based on shared characteristics
Artificial Classification
sorts organisms into groups based on similar identifiable characteristics
Artificial classification is limited. why?
Because characteristics are picked on the basis of similarity in function and the current characteristics organisms have.
why are keys used in biology?
to categorise and identify organisms
Dichotomous key
Series of statements with two choices describing a characteristic of an unidentified organism
What does a natural classification system consider?
the degree of evolutionary relationships
Natural classification organises species into groups of organisms that share characteristics from a common ancestor. What are these characteristics called?
Homologous characteristics
Homologous characteristics have what?
underlying similarity of structure and position regardless of the function
why are forelimbs of mammals homologous?
all modifications of the same structure
Hierarchal Categories that organisms are grouped into are
Domain, Kindgdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and species
DUMB KING PHILIP CAME OVER FOR GREAT SUSHI
Hierarchical categories; these groups are known as
taxa or taxonimic levels
what is the sorting of hierarchical classification based on?
shared characteristics + molecular similarities
Highest taxonomic rank are the
Domains
3 domains of living things are
Archaea (Prokaryotes)
Bacteria (prokaryotes)
Eukarya (Eukaryotes)
Prokaryotes in terms of domains of what kingdom?
Monera
Eukarya domain is subdivided into many kingdoms including
Animalia (animals)
Plantae (plants)
Protista (protists)
Fungi
How are organisms of different kingdoms distinguished?
using different characteristics
plants are what type of autotrophs?
photosynthetic autotrophs
Plants have organelles called chloroplast and a cell wall that consists of what?
cellulose
how many estimated species of plants are there?
300000 including grasses, trees, bushes, mosses, ferns and vines
how many animal species have been discovered thus far
over 1 million