4.5 Species & Taxonomy

Question 1

Define species.

Answer 1

A group of organisms that can breed 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 8 groups in the classification hierarchy.

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
Specific name = the species

Question 7

How are binomial names written?

Answer 7

The first letter of the generic name should be capitalised

Question 8

What is phylogenetic classification?

Answer 8

Arranging organisms into groups based on their evolutionary origins and relationships

Question 9

How can evolutionary relationships between organisms be clarified?

Answer 9

By analysing molecular differences and genome sequencing

Question 10

Explain hierarchical classification.

Answer 10

Groups within groups
No overlap between groups