Unit 3 Flashcards
What is classification?
A systematic grouping of organisms or ecosystems into groups.
Classification is important because?
- It clearly identifies organisms to reduce confusion
- Helps record biological diversity to monitor the environment
- Allows us to understand relationships between organisms both structural and evolutionary
What is the Linnaean system of Classification?
- It is the most commonly used system which
- developed by Carl Linnaeus in the 1700s
- gives organisms a name with 2 parts so often called the binomial classification
- the name given identifies its genus and species
What does the word taxa mean? Give examples.
Taxa is another word for groups, kingdoms and families are all types of taxa.
What is an example of an interspecific hybrid that does not produce fertile offspring?
Horse + Donkey –> Mule
Lion + Tiger –> Liger or Trigon
Describe the classification system for methods of reproduction.
- organisms are often classified as either sexual or asexual reproduces but some can do both
- This can be confusing as separation cannot occur if they do both.
- sometimes reproductive strategies are used instead.
- r strategists have a short life span, high reproduction rates, little care for offspring, and can be sexual or asexual. E.g. bacteria, insects, and algae. Organisms can have population explosions.
- k strategists have a long lifespan, low reproductive rate, and high level of care. E.g. large mammals. These are not as responsive to change but offspring have a high chance of surviving.
Describe the Phylogenetic Classification.
- compares the similarity of genetic sequences and molecular structure to determine evolutionary relationships
- also called cladistics
Describe the classification system of species interactions.
- species can be classified by how they react to their environment and other species.
Describe the classification of organisms according to predation.
- a process where an animal species will use another animal species as a food source.
- due to energy flows, there are always fewer predators than prey.
Describe the classification of organisms according to competition.
- occurs when organisms occupy the same niche and use the same resources.
- eg different types of herbivores will compete for pasture (e.g. sheep and kangaroos)
- competition can also be for resting sites or partners
- competition and predation are two interactions that have a profound impact on the balance in an ecosystem
- Removal of a species can have a negative and unforeseen impact
Describe the classification of organisms according to symbiosis.
- where 2 species are dependent on each other for survival
- eg coral polyps and zooxanthellae or kakapo parrot and rimu tree
Describe the classification of organisms according to disease.
- where a species uses another as a host where they can reproduce
- the presence of the pathogen is a disadvantage to the host organism and death can result
- bacteria, viruses, parasites, and single-celled organisms like malaria all cause disease
Explain how the process of classifying ecosystems is an important step towards effective ecosystem management.
- for an ecosystem to be effectively managed, those responsible need to understand the characteristics of an ecosystem and what sources are present.
- when an ecosystem is classified it allows decision makers to appreciate the importance of the ecosystem
- decision-makers are governments, local councils, farmers, mining, and timber companies.
- it allows decision makers to plan for effective monitoring, allows for protection, manage harvesting, management of fire risk, plan for allocation of land use, and recognition of wildlife corridors.
What are microhabitats?
A microhabitat is a small specific site. E.g. the canopy of a particular forest type or the bank of a river.
What is a habitat?
A habitat may be a grassy plain or type of forest e.g. woodland. Could be a rocky shore or coral island.
