Taxonomy Flashcards
In biology, what is classification?
Classification in biology, also known as taxonomy, is the science of organizing and categorizing organisms into hierarchical groups based on their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.
Define taxon and give an example.
A taxon is a group or category used in the classification of organisms. For example, the taxon “genus” includes closely related species that share a common ancestor, such as Homo (genus of humans).
What is binomial nomenclature? Why is it important?
Binomial nomenclature is a naming system developed by Carl Linnaeus, which assigns each species a unique, two-word Latin name consisting of the genus name and the species name (e.g., Homo sapiens). It is essential because it provides a standardized and precise way to identify and refer to species.
What is a domain? What are the three domains of life on Earth?
A domain is a higher taxonomic category that is larger and more inclusive than a kingdom. There are three recognized domains of life on Earth: Bacteria (single-celled prokaryotes), Archaea (single-celled prokaryotes), and Eukarya (all eukaryotes, including animals, plants, fungi, and protists).
Can two different species be related?
Yes, two different species can be related. Species can be related through evolutionary history and share a common ancestor. The degree of relatedness depends on how far back they separated from their common ancestor during evolution.
What is phylogeny?
Phylogeny is the evolutionary history of a group of related organisms, showing how species are related to each other through common ancestors. It is often represented by a phylogenetic tree.
What is a clade?
A clade is a group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants. It is a phylogenetic classification that reflects evolutionary relationships.
What is cladistics, and what is it used for?
Cladistics is a method of comparing traits in related species to determine ancestor-descendant relationships and create cladograms or phylogenetic trees. It is used to classify organisms based on their evolutionary relationships.
