Biosystematics and Taxonomy Quiz

The earliest name used for a particular taxon takes precedence, even if later names are more commonly used.

The same scientific name cannot be used for two different taxa. Each name is unique.

A system of classifying organisms based on their visual similarities, regardless of evolutionary relationships.

The five kingdoms proposed by Whittaker: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

Species that are very closely related and share many physical characteristics but can still interbreed. They may differ in subtle ways, like mating behaviors or habitat preferences.

The modern scientific study of classification, encompassing evolutionary relationships, genetic data, and morphology.

A taxonomic category that groups organisms based on shared characteristics. Examples include kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.

The phylum containing protozoa, a diverse group of single-celled eukaryotic organisms.

A cyst is a dormant, protective stage that allows some protozoa to survive harsh conditions. It enables transmission through the environment and increases survival.

The most important genus of coccidia that lacks cyst formation. These parasites infect mainly birds and cause intestinal disease.

A group of protozoa including Babesia and Theileria, which infect red blood cells and can cause serious diseases in mammals.

The phylum containing jellyfish, corals, anemones, and other radially symmetrical animals with stinging cells.

The class of cnidarians that lack a medusa stage and are typically sedentary. Corals and sea anemones belong to this class.

The class of cnidarians that have a polyp stage that can bud laterally, producing more polyps. This allows for colonial growth.

Flatworms, a diverse group of bilaterally symmetrical animals with a simple body plan.

A group of flatworms that lack a digestive system and absorb nutrients directly through their body surface. They are often parasites of vertebrates.

Parasitic flatworms that have a two-branched gut system, often with a sucker for attachment to the host.

A six-hooked larva in the life cycle of tapeworms, which is the first stage that infects the intermediate host.

The phylum containing roundworms, a diverse group of unsegmented, cylindrical worms.

A type of body cavity that is not completely lined with mesoderm. It is found in roundworms and some other invertebrates.

A subclass of annelids that includes earthworms.

A group of annelids that are characterized by their flattened bodies and suckers. Many are blood-sucking parasites.

A group of molluscs that are characterized by their shells and muscular foot. They include snails, slugs, and clams.

The most intelligent group of invertebrates, including squid, octopus, and cuttlefish.

A group of chordates that are more closely related to vertebrates than to tunicates (sea squirts). They have a stomochord, a flexible rod that supports the anterior part of the body.

The most ancient group of fish, characterized by their flexible skeletons made of cartilage.

One of the most diverse groups of fish, characterized by their bony skeletons and fins supported by bony rays.

The subclass of reptiles that includes turtles and tortoises.

The most diverse group of birds, characterized by their wide variety of beak shapes and adaptations for flight.

The class of mammals that give birth to live young and nourish them with milk. These mammals include most of the species we are familiar with.

The order of mammals that includes bats. Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly, using their modified forelimbs to create wings.

The order of mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. These fully aquatic mammals have streamlined bodies and flukes for swimming.

The order of mammals that includes cats, dogs, bears, and other carnivores. This group is characterized by their specialized teeth for tearing flesh.

A type of chemical communication that is used between species. For example, a predator might release pheromones that attract its prey.

Chemicals secreted by an organism that elicit a response in members of the same species. They play a role in mating, territoriality, and social behavior.

The process of metamorphosis in insects where there are four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Examples include butterflies, moths, and beetles.

The process of metamorphosis in insects where there are three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The nymph stage resembles the adult but is smaller and lacks wings. Examples include grasshoppers, cockroaches.

The class of arthropods that includes insects. Insects are characterized by their six legs and three body segments: head, thorax, and abdomen.

The class of arthropods that includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites.

The subphylum of arthropods that includes crustaceans. Crustaceans are characterized by their hard exoskeletons, two pairs of antennae, and mostly aquatic habitats.

A type of selection that favors individuals with traits at both extremes of a range. An example is peppered moths, where both dark and light moths had survival advantages in different environments.

A type of selection that favors individuals with traits at one end of a range. An example is giraffe necks, where longer necks were advantageous for reaching food in trees.

A type of selection that favors individuals with average traits. This helps to maintain the status quo within a population, preventing extreme changes.

The general physical place in the environment where a certain kind of organism resides.

The potential range of all biotic and abiotic conditions under which an organism can make a living.

The actual range of conditions where an organism lives due to interactions with other species.

An interaction between two species where one species benefits and the other is harmed. An example is a parasite living in the host.

A type of transmission that involves the transfer of pathogens from parent to offspring. This can happen through the placenta, milk, or eggs.

A type of transmission that occurs through direct contact between infected individuals and susceptible individuals.

A type of transmission that involves the spread of pathogens through contaminated water sources.

A type of transmission that involves the spread of pathogens through vectors, which are living organisms that carry and transmit the pathogens. Examples of vectors include mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

The interaction between two species where one species benefits and the other is unaffected.

The interaction between two species where both species benefit. An example is a bee pollinating a flower.

The interaction between two species where both species are harmed. An example is two species competing for the same limited resource.

The process as a population becomes extinct due to competition with another population.

The ability of two or more species to coexist despite competing for the same resources. This is often achieved through niche partitioning, where species specialize on different resources or utilize them in different ways.

A type of population distribution where individuals are more evenly spread out than would be expected by chance. This often results from competition for resources or territoriality.

A model of population growth that assumes unlimited resources and exponential growth. While useful for understanding short-term growth, it is unrealistic for long-term population dynamics.

A model of population growth that considers the carrying capacity of the environment. This model is more realistic than the exponential model, as it recognizes that resources are limited.

A factor that affects population growth regardless of the density of the population. An example is an earthquake, which can kill individuals regardless of how many are present.

A type of life history strategy that is characterized by rapid growth, high reproductive rates, and shorter lifespans. These strategies are often found in unstable or unpredictable environments.

A type of life history strategy that is characterized by slower growth, lower reproductive rates, and longer lifespans. These strategies are often found in stable or predictable environments.

Organisms that obtain nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter. They are essential for recycling nutrients in ecosystems.

The process by which organisms convert inorganic carbon dioxide into organic compounds using energy from sunlight.

A group of organisms that share the same trophic level, meaning they obtain energy from the same source. For example, herbivores are primary consumers.

The study of the behavior of animals in their natural environments. This field examines the adaptive value of behaviors, how they evolved, and how they relate to other ecological factors.

The process of using a symbolic gesture to signal a message or intention. This can reduce conflict and increase efficiency in social interactions.

The defending of a territory against intruders. This can involve displays of aggression, such as vocalizations, threats, or physical attacks.

A stereotypical behavior that is triggered by a specific stimulus. It is often genetically programmed and occurs in a predictable sequence.