Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease Flashcards
(194 cards)
C10) What is the meaning of classification
The process of organising living organisms into groups. The organisms within each group share similar features
C10) what is a taxonomic group
Seven groups ordered in hierarchy
Kingdoms are the biggest and broadest taxonomic group and species being the smallest and most specific classification
Hierarchical classification systems are also referred to as linnaean classification proposed by carl Linnaeus
Because of the study of genetic material scientists added domains at the top of the hierarchy
C10) why do scientists classify organisms
To identify species - by using clearly defined systems of classification the species an organism belongs to can be easily identified
To predict characteristics - if several members in a group have a specific characteristic so will others in the same group
To find evolutionary links - species in the same group probably share characteristics because they evolved from a common ancestor
By using a single classification system scientist worldwide can share research. Links between different organisms can be seen even if they live on different continent
C10) How are organisms classified
The classification system begins by separating organisms into three domains- Archaea, bacteria, Eukarya.
As you move down the hierarchy there are more groups at each level but fewer organisms in each group.
The organisms in each group become more specific and share more characteristics
The system ends with organisms being classified as individual species.
C10) what is the definition of species
A group of organisms that are able to reproduce to produce fertile offspring
C10) what are the problems with common names of organisms
They are based on physical characteristics or behaviours.
They are not very useful for scientists working internationally as organisms may have more than one common name and different names in different languages
Common names do not provide information about the relationship between organisms
So we use the binomial naming system
C10) What are the five kingdoms
Prokaryotae
Protoctista - Unicellular eukaryotes
Fungi - yeast, mould and mushrooms
Plantae
Animalia
C10) What are the general features of prokaryotae
Unicellular
No nucleus or other membrane - bound organelles-a ring of naked DNA
No visible feeding mechanism - nutrients are absorbed through the cell walls
C10) what are the General features of protoctista
Unicellular
A nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles
Nutrients are acquired by photosynthesis, digestion of other organisms or both
C10) what are the General features of fungi
Unicellular or multi cellular
A nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles and a cell wall
Nutrients are acquired by absorption mainly from decaying material
C10) what are the general features of plantae
Multi cellular
Enucleation other membrane-bound organelles including chloroplast
Nutrients are acquired by photosynthesis
C10) What are the General features of Animalia
Multi cellular
Enucleation other membrane-bound organelles
Nutrients acquired by ingestion
C10) Why has there been a change in the classification system
Because of the study of genetics
DNA determines the proteins that are made which codes for the organisms characteristics. If the characteristics change then the DNA must have also changed. By comparing the similarities in DNA and proteins of different species scientists can discover relationships between them.
C10) what is the three domains system
Was proposed by carl Woese
Domain was a further level of classification at the top of the hierarchy
Groups organisms using differences in the sequence of nucleotides in the cells ribosomal RNA as well as the cells membrane lipids structure and the sensitivity to antibiotics
Organised into three domains and six kingdoms
C10) What are the three domains
Eukarya
Have a 80s ribozymes and are they polymerise contain 12 proteins
Archaea
Have 70 S ribosomes and RNA polymerase of different organisms containing between 8 and 10 proteins
Bacteria
Have 70 S ribosomes and RNA polymerise contain five proteins
C10) what are the six kingdoms of the three domains system
Eubacteria, Archaebacteria, pritoctista, plantae, fungi, Animalia
C10) what are Eubacteria and Archaebacteria
Eubacteria
Known as true bacteria, found in all environments.
Most bacteria are in this kingdom
Archaebacteria
Known as ancient bacteria, can live in extreme environments.
Including hot thermal vents, anaerobic conditions and highly acidic places
C10) What is Phylogeny and phylogenetics
Phylogeny is the evolution of relationships between organisms
The study of the evolutionary history of groups is known as phylogenetics
C10) how are phylogenetic trees made
Are produced by looking at similarities and differences in species physical characteristics and genetic make up
much in evidence gained from fossil feels
C10) what are the advantages of phylogenetic classification
Phylogeny is done without reference to classification.
Classifications and use knowledge of phylogeny in order to confirm the classification groups are correct or cause them to change
Phylogeny produces a continuous tree whereas classifications required discrete taxonomy groups so scientists are not forced to put organisms into a specific group that they do not fit into
The historic nature of classifications can be misleading as it implies different groups within the same rank are equivalent
C10) how did The theory of evolution develop
Most people believed in the Bible and the creation story
Charles Darwin read a book written by his friend Charles Lyell as a result came up with the idea that evolution was a slow process one in which small changes accumulated over time
Proved this theory using finches in the Galapagos Islands because different finches in different islands had different beaks and claws of different sizes and shapes by observing this he found out that it was linked to the food available on each island
Concluding that a bird born with a beak most suited to the food available would survive longer than a bird who didn’t. Therefore it would have more offsprings passing on the advantages characteristics
A different man called Alfred Wallace had a similar idea and so they both wrote on “the origins of species”
C10) What are the evidence for evolution
Palaeontology: Study of fossil fuels and fossil records
Comparative anatomy: studying of similarities and differences between organisms anatomy
Comparative biochemistry: Similarities and differences between the Chemical make up of an organism
C10) That are the evidence provided by palaeontology
Fossils form over time to make strata. The fossils that are on top are the youngest and the fossils near the bottom of the crust are the oldest therefore showing evolution of organisms
Fossils allow relationships between extinct and living organisms to be investigated
Fossils of simplest organisms like bacteria are found in the oldest rocks while fossils of more complex organisms such as vertebrates are found in more recent rocks supporting the evolutionary theory that simple lifeforms gradually evolved over millions of years to more complex ones
By studying similarities in the anatomy of fossil organisms scientists can show how closely related organisms have evolved from the same ancestry
C10) what are the limits of palaeontology
The fossil records are not completed for example Many softbodied organisms have decomposed before they had a chance to become fossils.
Many fossils have been destroyed by the earths tectonic movements