3.4.5 Species and Taxonomy

Question 1

define species.

Answer 1

a group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring

Question 2

what are the advantages of courtship behaviour?

Answer 2

individuals can recognise sexually mature members of their own species of the opposite sex, synchronise mating, form a pair bond, and successfully breed.

Question 3

define classification

Answer 3

the process of arranging organisms into groups

Question 4

name the eight groups in the classification hierarchy, from largest to smallest.

Answer 4

Domain —> Kingdom —> Phylum —> Class —> Order —> Family —> Genus —> Species

Question 5

what system is used to give species a universal name?

Answer 5

binomial naming system

Question 6

what are the two components to a binomial name?

Answer 6

Generic name = the genus the organism belongs to. Two closely related species will share the same genus
Specific name = the species the organism belongs to

Question 7

How are binomial names handwritten?

Answer 7

The first letter of the generic name should be capitalised, with the rest in lowercase. The whole name should be underlined.

Question 8

what is phylogenetic classification

Answer 8

the process of arranging organisms into groups based on their evolutionary origins and relationships.

Question 9

How can we clarify evolutionary relationships between organisms?

Answer 9

Analyse their molecular differences. Advances in immunology/ genome sequencing provide clear pictures of how related two organisms are

Question 10

explain hierarchical classification.

Answer 10

• groups within groups
• no overlap between groups