38 Questions
What is biology considered the science of?
life forms and living processes
What was deified by early man?
some inanimate matter and some living organisms
What is a common feature of both inanimate and animate objects?
awe or fear
When did the description of living organisms including human beings begin?
much later in human history
What prevented societies from registering progress in biological knowledge?
anthropocentric view of biology
What was the outcome of systematic and monumental description of life forms?
recognition of similarities among living organisms
What is a revelation that humbled man and led to cultural movements?
all present day living organisms are related to each other and also to all organisms that ever lived on this earth
What will be described in the following chapters of this unit?
classification of animals and plants from a taxonomist’s perspective
What is the purpose of taxonomic studies in biology?
To identify the similarities and dissimilarities among organisms
What does the term 'specific epithet' refer to in binomial nomenclature?
The species name
What is the scientific name for human beings?
Homo sapiens
What is a genus in taxonomy?
A group of related species
Which of the following is an example of a genus?
Panthera
What is the main characteristic of a family in taxonomy?
A group of related genera
What is the main difference between a genus and a family?
A genus has fewer characteristics in common than a family
Which of the following is an example of a species?
Panthera leo
What is the branch of knowledge that deals with the identification, nomenclature, and classification of organisms?
Taxonomy
What is the purpose of taxonomic studies?
To know our bio-resources and their diversity
What is the system of nomenclature used to name organisms?
Binomial system
What is the Phylum/Division of the organism 'Man'?
Chordata
What is the biological name of the organism 'Housefly'?
Musca domestica
What is the main purpose of classification of organisms?
To facilitate the study of kinds and diversity of organisms
Why is taxonomy important?
It is useful in agriculture, forestry, and industry
What is the main characteristic of the binomial system of nomenclature?
It uses a combination of two words
What is the estimate of the number of known and described species on Earth?
1.7-1.8 million
What is the term used to describe the number and types of organisms present on Earth?
Biodiversity
Why do we observe a greater variety of living organisms in a dense forest?
Because of the increase in area of observation
What is the primary focus of scientists when answering the question 'What is living?'
To distinguish between living and non-living things
What is the purpose of classifying living organisms?
To group them into taxonomic categories
What is the result of increasing the area of observation for living organisms?
An increase in the number of species seen
What is a taxon?
A category in taxonomic hierarchy
What is the term used to describe each different kind of plant, animal, or organism?
Species
What is the reason for the continuous discovery of new organisms?
Because we are exploring new areas and old ones
What is the correct sequence of taxonomic categories?
Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
What is the implicit question that scientists attempt to answer when reflecting on 'what is living?'
What distinguishes living from non-living things?
What do we learn from the identification of individuals and populations?
Their characteristics and diversity
What is the botanical name of the Mango?
Mangifera indica
Why do classification systems change over time?
As our understanding of evolution changes
Study Notes
The Living World
- The living world comprises an amazing diversity of living organisms, with a range of sizes, colors, habitats, and physiological and morphological features.
- The diversity of living organisms is so vast that it is estimated to range between 1.7-1.8 million species, although new species are still being discovered.
Biological Classification
- Biological classification is a system of identification, nomenclature, and classification of organisms, which is essential for understanding the diversity of life.
- The classification system is based on the principle of grouping similar organisms together, and it is used to identify and categorize organisms into different taxonomic categories.
Taxonomic Categories
- Species: a group of individual organisms with fundamental similarities, distinguished by distinct morphological differences.
- Genus: a group of related species that have more characters in common compared to species of other genera.
- Family: a group of related genera with still fewer similarities compared to genus and species.
- Order: a higher level of taxonomic category that groups related families together.
- Class: a higher level of taxonomic category that groups related orders together.
- Phylum/Division: a higher level of taxonomic category that groups related classes together.
Binomial System of Nomenclature
- Each organism is assigned a correct scientific/biological name comprising two words: the genus name and the specific epithet.
- The binomial system of nomenclature is universally accepted and used to identify and categorize organisms.
Importance of Taxonomic Studies
- Taxonomic studies are useful in agriculture, forestry, industry, and in general for knowing our bio-resources and their diversity.
- The study of kinds and diversity of organisms helps us understand the defining characteristics of living organisms.
Exercises
- Questions to be answered, including:
- Why are living organisms classified?
- Why are classification systems changing?
- Criteria for classifying people
- What we learn from identification of individuals and populations
- Correct sequence of taxonomical categories
- Examples of taxa at different hierarchical levels
- Meaning of species in different contexts
- Definition and understanding of taxonomic terms (phylum, class, family, order, genus)
- Illustration of taxonomical hierarchy with examples of a plant and an animal.
This quiz covers the basics of biology, including the diversity of living organisms and the early understanding of living processes.
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