Biology Classification and Nomenclature

Questions and Answers

What is classification?

Determining species habitat

Process of ordering species by pattern and organizing principle (correct)

Study of genetic traits

Process of naming organisms

What is nomenclature?

Naming of organisms, genus, species

Match the following nomenclature rules with their descriptions:

One name per organism = Only one correct name for each organism. Not after yourself = Names should not be personal. Latin or Greek = Use of classical languages for names. Be descriptive = Names should indicate characteristics. Location origin = Names could reflect geographical origin. Whimsical = Creative names are acceptable. No common name = Avoid using common names.

What does monophyletic mean?

Ancestor and all descendants Signup and view all the answers

What does paraphyletic mean?

Ancestor but not all descendants Signup and view all the answers

What does polyphyletic mean?

Maybe 2 or more ancestors Signup and view all the answers

What is a character in biology?

Attributes or features of organisms that indicate a relationship and distinguish them from others Signup and view all the answers

What does phenotypical refer to?

Shape, color Signup and view all the answers

What does molecular refer to in biological classification?

DNA, RNA, genes Signup and view all the answers

What does homologous mean?

Same origin, gene bases Signup and view all the answers

What is plesiomorphy?

Base of the tree, common trait Signup and view all the answers

What does apomorphy mean?

Specialization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification

Involves ordering species based on identifiable patterns and organizational principles.

Nomenclature

Refers to the systematic naming of organisms, including levels such as genus and species.

Nomenclature Rules

Each organism should have one distinct name.
Names should not be derived from the name of the person describing the organism.
Utilizes Latin or Greek for naming origins.
Descriptive names are encouraged, possibly incorporating the location of origin or whimsical attributes.
Avoids using common names for scientific classification.

Monophyletic

Grouping includes an ancestor and all of its descendants, representing a complete lineage.

Paraphyletic

A grouping that consists of an ancestor but excludes some of its descendants, leading to incomplete representation of evolutionary relationships.

Polyphyletic

Refers to a group that may derive from two or more distinct ancestors, lacking a single common lineage.

Character

Attributes or features of organisms are used to indicate evolutionary relationships and distinguish species from one another.

Phenotypical

Involves observable traits such as shape and color that can help identify and classify organisms.

Molecular

Refers to genetic components including DNA, RNA, and genes, which are used in modern classification methods.

Homologous

Traits that are similar due to shared ancestry, emphasizing common origins at the genetic level.

Plasiomorphy

Common traits that serve as the foundational characteristics at the base of a phylogenetic tree.

Apomorphy

Refers to specialized traits that have evolved from ancestral forms, highlighting divergence within lineages.

Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of classification and nomenclature in biology with these flashcards. Understand the rules and terms that govern the naming of species and the organization of living organisms.