Unit 1 - Characteristics, Classification & Features of Organisms

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Questions and Answers

What does the 'R' in MRS GREN stand for?

Repulsion

Recycling

Respiration (correct)

Regeneration

Which statement best defines a species?

A collection of all organisms in a particular habitat

A classification that includes both plants and animals

A type of organism that only exists in a specific environment

A group of organisms that can reproduce to produce fertile offspring (correct)

What is the primary purpose of excretion in living organisms?

To aid in reproduction

To provide energy for growth

To eliminate waste and toxic materials (correct)

To facilitate movement

Which feature is NOT characteristic of mammals?

Laying eggs Signup and view all the answers

In the binomial nomenclature system, how are names formatted?

Genus is capitalized followed by species in lowercase, both in italics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a process crucial for growth in organisms?

Increase in cell number or size Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic involves the ability to respond to environmental stimuli?

Sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

What was the main contribution of Linnaeus to the classification of organisms?

Creating the binomial system for naming organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the classification system of living organisms?

Kingdom Signup and view all the answers

How does a dichotomous key assist in identifying organisms?

By using a series of questions about features Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'dichotomous' refer to in the context of keys for identifying organisms?

Branching into two options Signup and view all the answers

What has allowed scientists to classify organisms with a more scientific approach than morphology and anatomy?

DNA sequencing technology Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding DNA sequences among species?

More similar base sequences mean more closely related species Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic that all mammals share?

They feed their young with mammary glands Signup and view all the answers

Which kingdom is the most fundamental classification level for living organisms?

Monera Signup and view all the answers

What role did microscopes play in the classification of organisms?

They allowed detailed observation of organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is true for all animals?

They are multicellular organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is a distinguishing feature of vertebrates?

Presence of a backbone Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary nutritional mode of fungi?

Saprophytic or parasitic nutrition Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is common in all plants?

Some parts contain chlorophyll Signup and view all the answers

How do flowering plants reproduce?

Sexually by means of flowers and seeds Signup and view all the answers

Which of these groups includes organisms that do not have a nucleus?

Prokaryotes Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of dicotyledons?

They have an ovary producing seeds inside Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is used to classify invertebrates?

Presence or absence of legs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

1.1 Characteristics of Living Organisms

Movement: An action by an organism or part changing its position.
Respiration: Chemical reactions breaking down nutrients for energy.
Sensitivity: Ability to detect and respond to internal/external stimuli.
Growth and Development: Permanent increase in size due to cell number/size.
Reproduction: Processes generating more of the organism's kind.
Excretion: Removal of harmful materials, metabolic waste, and excess substances.
Nutrition: Intake of materials for energy, growth, and development.
- Plants: Light, carbon dioxide, water, ions
- Animals: Organic compounds, ions, water

1.2 Concept & Uses of Classification Systems

Species: Group of organisms that can produce fertile offspring.
Classification: Grouping organisms into categories based on shared features.
Binomial System: Two-part naming system (genus and species) using Latin.
- Example: Homo sapiens (human)
  - Genus (capitalized) follows by species (lowercase)
Dichotomous Keys: Series of questions used to identify organisms.
- Follow the statements/questions systematically to identify organisms.

Additional Topics (from further pages)

Five Kingdoms: Initial classification scheme for living things:
- Animals
- Plants
- Fungi
- Protoctists
- Prokaryotes
Vertebrates: Animals with a backbone.
- Five classes: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish
Invertebrates: Animals without a backbone.
- Categorized by morphology, notably presence/structure of jointed legs (e.g., arthropods)
Plants (including flowering plants, ferns): Reproduction, characteristics used to distinguish between groups (e.g., monocots, dicots).
Viruses: Not considered living, use host cells to reproduce.
- Consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) within a protein coat.

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Description

Explore the fundamental characteristics of living organisms, including movement, respiration, and reproduction. Additionally, learn about classification systems such as the binomial naming system and the concept of species. Test your knowledge and understanding of these essential biological concepts.