Taxonomy

Question 1

What is a species?

Answer 1

A group of organisms that can (interbreed to) produce fertile offspring

Question 2

Suggest why 2 different species are unable to produce fertile offspring

Answer 2

1) Different species have different chromosome numbers - Offspring may have odd chromosome number

2) So homologous pairs cannot form -> Meiosis cannot occur to produce gametes

Question 3

Explain why courtship behavior is a necessary precusor for succesful mating

Answer 3

● Allows recognition of members of same species → so fertile offspring produced
● Allows recognition / attraction of opposite sex
● Stimulates / synchronises mating / production / release of gametes
● Indicates sexual maturity / fertility
● Establishes a pair bond to raise young

Question 4

Describe a phylogenetic classification system

Answer 4

● Species (attempted to be) arranged into groups, called taxa, based
on their evolutionary origins (common ancestors) and relationships
● Uses a hierarchy:
○ Smaller groups are placed within larger groups
○ No overlap between groups

Question 5

Name the Taxa in the hierarchy of classification?

Answer 5

Domain > Kingdom > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species (Dear King Phillip Came Over For Good Soup)

Question 6

How is each species universally identified? What is an advantage of this?

Answer 6

A binominal consisting of its genus and species
Universal, so no confusion as species organisms often have more than one name