Species and Taxonomy Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the basic unit of classification in biology?
A species is the basic unit of classification
What is the main feature shared by members of the same species?
They are capable of breeding to produce living, fertile offspring
Why is the ability to produce fertile offspring important in defining a species?
It ensures that individuals can pass on their genes and continue the species across generations
In sexual reproduction, what does the ability to produce fertile offspring imply about the genes of individuals in a species?
Any individual’s genes can, in theory, be combined with any other’s within the species
What is the binomial system?
A universal system where each organism is given two names: the generic name and the specific name
What does the specific name represent in the binomial system?
The species to which the organism belongs
What does the generic name represent in the binomial system?
The genus to which the organism belongs
Why do members of the same species physically and biochemically resemble one another?
This is because they have similar or the same genes
How does behaviour help individuals recognise members of their own species?
Behaviour is more alike within the same species than between different species, allowing individuals to recognise each other by their actions
Why is reproduction essential for the survival of a species?
This is because no individual lives forever, so reproduction passes DNA onto the next generation
Why must courtship behaviour be effective in most species?
Females often produce eggs only at specific times, sometimes just once a year, so successful mating needs to be carefully times
List three key purposes of courtship behaviour
1/ Recognise members of their own species
2/ Identify a sexually mature and fertile mate
3/ Form a pair bond for successful mating and raising offspring
How does courtship behaviour help synchronise mating?
It ensures mating occurs when the probability of sperm and egg meeting is at its highest
How does courtship behaviour help bring individuals into a breeding state?
It stimulates the opposite sex physiologically to allow breeding to occur
How do males know if a female is receptive to mating, and what happens if a female is not receptive to a male’s courtship advances?
Through the female’s response to courtship behaviour; appropriate response means she is receptive, inappropriate response means she is not
When a female is not receptive, the male stops courting her and looks for another mate
What role do signals play during courtship?
Animals use signals to communicate with potential mates and members of the same sex
How does the “chain of actions” during courtship ensure species recognition?
The chain is the same fr all members of a species but different between species, allowing individuals to confirm they are courting a suitable partner
