4.3.1 Classification and Evolution – Classification and Taxonomy Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is biological classification?
The process of placing living organisms into groups based on physical similarities between different species.
What is the meaning of phylogeny?
It is the basis of modern scientific classification. It is the evolutionary relationship between species.
What does the term taxonomy mean?
The study of biological classification.
List 3 reasons why we use a classification system.
It is for our convenience, it makes the study of living organisms more manageable, easier to identify organisms, and it helps us see relationships between species.
Modern classification is based on more than just observable features; it can now include information from what?
Any of the following:
- Biological molecules
- Genetic evidence
- Fossil records
- Physiology
- Embryology
When classifying an organism, why is it important to study each specimen in detail?
There may be only very small differences between similar species.
List the modern classification hierarchy from least to most specific groupings?
Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
What were the three domains proposed by Carl Woese?
Archaea
Bacteria (originally Eubacteria)
Eukaryotae
What are the names of the kingdoms?
Prokaryotae
Protoctista,
Fungi
Plantae
Animalia
Describe the binomial naming system
A system that uses the genus name first and the species name second
How would you correctly write the name for humans using the binomial naming system?
Homo sapiens
Who devised the binomial naming system?
Carl Linnaeus.
Why did Linnaeus use Latin names?
It is a universal language to all scientists, meaning every scientist regardless of their country uses the same name to avoid any confusion.
What is the biological definition of a species?
A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
What is the phylogenetic definition of a species?
A group of organisms that are very similar in appearance, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and genetics.
