Biology Classification Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is classification?

The study of evolutionary relationships among species

A way in which living organisms are divided into groups (correct)

The formation of pairs for breeding

A scientific practice of grouping organisms based on shared characteristics

What is taxonomy?

Scientific practice of grouping organisms based on shared characteristics.

What does the term 'hierarchical' mean in modern classification systems?

Consist of smaller groups within larger groups, no overlap between groups.

What can be inferred from a phylogenetic tree diagram?

The closer the branches, the closer the evolutionary relationship; therefore, the more recent they shared a common ancestor. Signup and view all the answers

How do you know if individuals belong to the same species?

A group of organisms with similar characteristics that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the cells of a mule, which have 63 chromosomes, unable to undergo meiosis and produce gametes?

With an odd number of chromosomes, meiosis can't occur; therefore, gametes can't be formed. Signup and view all the answers

What problems exist in classifying organisms as distinct species?

Life probably evolved around 3.5 billion years ago, and many species did not leave fossils; considerable variation within species; asexual reproduction complicates classification. Signup and view all the answers

How can courtship behavior be used to identify individuals as members of the same or different species?

Courtship is innate and genetically determined, with all members of the same species showing exactly the same courtship behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of courtship behavior?

Species recognition, synchronizing reproductive behavior, identifying capable mates, forming pair bonds, and preparing for breeding. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a courtship song important in successful breeding?

Different species produce different songs, allowing them to mate only with their own species. Signup and view all the answers

What are the ways to investigate genetic diversity?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a problem in classifying observable characteristics?

Observable characteristics are often coded for by more than one gene, and the environment can influence characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Why should conclusions about evolutionary relationships from amino acid sequences be treated with caution?

Only short sections of polypeptides have been analyzed, and similar amino acid sequences may have different DNA/RNA base sequences due to degeneracy. Signup and view all the answers

What is standard deviation?

Spread of values around the mean, indicating the extent of variation a population shows. Signup and view all the answers

Why is standard deviation more valid than range?

Standard deviation uses all values and reduces the impact of anomalies, while range only considers extreme values. Signup and view all the answers

How can we use standard deviation to compare two or more sets of data?

If the standard deviations overlap, there's no significant difference; vice versa. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification and Taxonomy

Classification divides living organisms into grouped categories based on similarities.
Taxonomy is the scientific method for grouping organisms, focusing on shared characteristics.

Modern Classification Systems

Hierarchical systems feature groups within larger groups, ensuring no overlap.
Phylogenetic systems reflect the evolutionary history of organisms and their relationships.

Phylogenetic Tree Diagrams

Close branches on a phylogenetic tree indicate a recent common ancestor and stronger evolutionary ties.

Defining Species

Species are groups of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
Key criteria for species include the ability to interbreed and produce viable offspring.

Meiosis and Mules

Mules have 63 chromosomes, which is an odd number, preventing proper meiotic division and gamete formation.

Challenges in Classification

Life evolved around 3.5 billion years ago; extinct species greatly outnumber living ones.
Fossil records are often incomplete and don't capture all characteristics.
Variation within species complicates the definition, particularly for asexual organisms.

Courtship Behavior

Courtship behaviors are innate and genetically programmed, helping identify species members.
These behaviors are critical in determining mating capabilities.

Functions of Courtship Behavior

Recognizes species, synchronizes reproductive actions, identifies suitable mates, forms pair bonds, and prepares for breeding.

Importance of Courtship Songs

Different species produce unique courtship songs aiding in mate recognition, particularly crucial for nocturnal species and in visually challenging environments.

Investigating Genetic Diversity

Measures include frequencies of observable traits, DNA base sequences, mRNA sequences, protein amino acid sequences, and immunological techniques.

Limitations of Observational Studies

Observable traits may be influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors, complicating genetic distinction.

Caution in Amino Acid Sequence Analysis

Analyzing only short peptide sections can be misleading; similar amino acid sequences do not guarantee identical DNA/RNA base sequences.

Standard Deviation (SD)

SD measures variability around the mean, giving insight into population variation; lower SD indicates more precise data.

Validity of SD vs. Range

SD considers all data points and minimizes effects of anomalies, making it a more reliable statistical measure than range.

Comparing Data Sets with SD

Overlapping SD indicates no significant difference between data sets, while non-overlapping suggests a significant difference.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of classification and taxonomy in biology with these flashcards. Learn how living organisms are grouped and understand the modern classification systems. Perfect for biology students looking to enhance their understanding of these fundamental topics.