Cambridge IGCSE Biology: Organism Features & Classifications
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Questions and Answers

What does DNA sequencing help determine about different species?

  • Their lifespan.
  • Their physical characteristics.
  • How closely related they are. (correct)
  • The environment in which they live.
  • Which group of organisms is indicated to have more closely related DNA sequences to each other compared to other vertebrates?

  • Birds
  • Mammals (correct)
  • Amphibians
  • Reptiles
  • What was a significant advancement that improved the classification of organisms?

  • Increased knowledge of anatomy.
  • The study of ecological interactions.
  • Technological advances in DNA sequencing. (correct)
  • Development of microscopes.
  • If two species have identical DNA sequences except for one base, what can be inferred?

    <p>They share a more recent common ancestor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept explains that organisms having similar DNA sequences also share similar amino acid sequences in proteins?

    <p>Molecular homology. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic of organisms is primarily used to classify them into the five kingdoms?

    <p>Their anatomy and cellular structure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a significant similarity in amino acid sequences suggest about two organisms?

    <p>They may be closely related in evolutionary terms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the initial methods for classifying organisms before DNA sequencing became widespread?

    <p>Observing physical features and anatomy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic of living organisms involves detecting stimuli and making appropriate responses?

    <p>Sensitivity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary process by which organisms remove toxic substances and waste products?

    <p>Excretion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes respiration in living organisms?

    <p>The breakdown of nutrients to release energy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic represents a permanent increase in size and dry mass through cell number or size?

    <p>Growth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic of living organisms is involved in producing offspring of the same kind?

    <p>Reproduction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do animals primarily require for nutrition?

    <p>Organic compounds, ions, and water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living organisms?

    <p>Decomposition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mnemonic can help remember the key characteristics of living organisms?

    <p>MRS.GREN (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'dichotomous' in 'dichotomous keys' refer to?

    <p>Branching into two options (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a dichotomous key?

    <p>To identify organisms based on features (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which step is NOT necessary when using a dichotomous key?

    <p>Repeating the process for additional organisms without starting over (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When using a dichotomous key, what type of information do you use to answer the questions?

    <p>Provided information or images accompanying the question (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when you reach the end of a dichotomous key?

    <p>You must start over for another organism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do users navigate through a dichotomous key?

    <p>By selecting one of two descriptions at each stage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the starting point in a typical use of a dichotomous key?

    <p>Starting with a single known organism or an unfamiliar one (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to follow the statements in a dichotomous key in order?

    <p>To ensure the accuracy of the result (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following characteristics is used to classify invertebrates?

    <p>Number of legs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group of invertebrates has jointed legs?

    <p>Arthropods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes mammals from other vertebrates?

    <p>Presence of fur (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature is characteristic of crustaceans compared to other arthropods?

    <p>Two pairs of antennae (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about vertebrates is true?

    <p>All vertebrates have a backbone. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is shared by all arthropods?

    <p>Jointed limbs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these groups is classified as invertebrates?

    <p>Mollusks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main defining feature of arthropods?

    <p>Segmented body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of leaf veins do dicotyledons possess?

    <p>Reticulated leaf veins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the leaves of monocotyledons?

    <p>They are generally narrow and resemble grass. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are viruses not classified as living things?

    <p>They do not have a cellular structure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the composition of a typical virus?

    <p>Genetic material inside a protein coat. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of dicotyledons?

    <p>Their leaves are generally narrow and grass-like. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common nutritional method employed by fungi?

    <p>Parasitic nutrition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is NOT associated with prokaryotes?

    <p>Presence of mitochondria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about protoctists?

    <p>Some can photosynthesize (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main feature differentiating the five kingdoms of life?

    <p>The type of cells they contain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organism would likely belong to the fungi kingdom?

    <p>Yeast (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the cell walls of prokaryotes and fungi is correct?

    <p>Prokaryotes have cell walls not made of cellulose (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature is generally true for all fungi?

    <p>They are usually multicellular (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which kingdom includes organisms that primarily feed on organic substances made by other living things?

    <p>Protoctists (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Movement (Living Organisms)

    An action by an organism or part of an organism that causes a change of position or place.

    Respiration (Living Organisms)

    The chemical reactions that break down nutrient molecules in cells to release energy for life's processes.

    Sensitivity (Living Organisms)

    The ability to detect or sense stimuli and react.

    Growth (Living Organisms)

    A permanent increase in size and dry mass by increasing cells.

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    Reproduction (Living Organisms)

    Making more organisms of the same type.

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    Excretion (Living Organisms)

    Removing waste products and extra substances from the body.

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    Nutrition (Living Organisms)

    Getting materials for energy, growth, and development.

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    MRS. GREN

    A helpful acronym to remember characteristics of living organisms (Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, and Nutrition).

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    Dichotomous Key

    A tool used to identify organisms. It uses a series of questions with two choices to guide you to the organism's name.

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    Dichotomous

    Branching into two; used to describe the structure of a dichotomous key.

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    Key use in identification

    Organism identification is the core purpose of a dichotomous key. It guides through features.

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    Key navigation steps 1

    Choose a starting organism or the one provided in a question, answer the questions.

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    Key navigation steps 2

    Each step in a dichotomous key involves a yes/no question, leading you through choices.

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    Key navigation steps 3

    Use provided info (text or image) to accurately answer, and find the organism's name.

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    Key navigation steps 4

    Repeat the process for another organism, starting at the beginning of the key, to identify it.

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    Dichotomous key example

    An example of a structured key with branching questions leading to an organism's name.

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    Invertebrates

    Animals without a backbone.

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    Arthropod

    An invertebrate with jointed legs, a segmented body, and a hard exoskeleton.

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    What is a defining feature of Mammals?

    Mammals have fur or hair, produce milk to feed their young, and are warm-blooded.

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    What is a defining feature of Crustaceans?

    Crustaceans are arthropods with two pairs of antennae.

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    What is a defining feature of Insects?

    Insects are arthropods with three pairs of legs and usually wings.

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    What is a defining feature of Arachnids?

    Arachnids are arthropods with eight legs and no antennae.

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    What is a defining feature of Myriapods?

    Myriapods are arthropods with many legs and a long segmented body.

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    Main vs. Defining Features

    Main features are common to a group, like vertebrates having backbones. Defining features are unique to a group, like mammals having fur.

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    DNA sequencing

    Using DNA sequences to classify organisms based on similarities.

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    Species Relation

    The degree of similarity in DNA sequences indicates how closely related two species are.

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    Base Sequences

    The order of DNA bases (A, T, C, G) in an organism's DNA.

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    Five Kingdoms Classification

    The first major division of living things based on their characteristics.

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    Mammals DNA

    Mammal DNA shows a higher degree of similarity between mammals compared to other vertebrate groups.

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    Classification systems

    Methods used to categorize and organize living things

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    Amino Acid Sequences

    Determined by DNA and used to determine relationships between organisms.

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    Common ancestor

    The shared ancestor of two or more species.

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    Monocot Leaves

    Leaves with parallel veins running lengthwise, typically narrow and grass-like.

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    Dicot Leaves

    Leaves with a network of veins branching throughout, often broader and varied in shape.

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    Virus Structure

    A simple structure consisting of genetic material (RNA or DNA) enclosed within a protein coat.

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    Virus Life Processes

    Viruses rely on host cells to carry out the seven life processes. They cannot do so independently.

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    Virus Replication

    Viruses replicate by taking over a host cell's metabolic pathways to create multiple copies of themselves.

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    Five Kingdoms

    The highest level of classification for living organisms: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protoctists, Prokaryotes.

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    Fungi Features

    Multicellular organisms with nuclei and cell walls (not made of cellulose). They don't photosynthesize and get food from decaying matter or living organisms.

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    Protoctists Features

    Mostly unicellular organisms with nuclei. Some have cell walls or chloroplasts, so they can photosynthesize or feed on other things.

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    Prokaryotes Features

    Usually unicellular with cell walls (not made of cellulose) but no nucleus or mitochondria.

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    Saprophytic Nutrition

    Fungi get their food by breaking down dead or decaying organic matter.

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    Parasitic Nutrition

    Fungi get their food from living organisms, harming them in the process.

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    Cellulose

    A complex sugar that makes up plant cell walls. It's a tough and rigid material.

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    Mitochondria

    Organelles in cells that are responsible for generating energy through cellular respiration.

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    Study Notes

    Cambridge IGCSE Biology: Characteristics, Classification & Features of Organisms

    • Characteristics of Living Organisms:

      • Movement: An action causing a change in position.
      • Respiration: Chemical reactions breaking down nutrients to release energy for metabolism.
      • Sensitivity: The ability to detect stimuli and respond.
      • Growth: Permanent increase in size and dry mass.
      • Reproduction: Processes creating more organisms.
      • Excretion: Removal of waste products and toxins.
      • Nutrition: Taking in materials for energy, growth, and development.
    • Examiner Tips & Tricks:

      • Use the mnemonic MRS GREN to remember the characteristics: Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, and Nutrition.

    Concept & Uses of Classification Systems

    • How Organisms Are Classified:

      • A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
      • Species are categorized based on shared features.
    • The Binomial System:

      • Developed by Linnaeus.
      • Organisms are named using Latin in two parts, genus and species (e.g., Homo sapiens).
      • Genus is always capitalized and species is not.
      • The sequence of classification is: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
    • Dichotomous Keys:

      • Used to identify organisms.
      • A series of questions with two choices.
      • Each answer leads to another pair of choices until identification is complete.

    Features of Organisms

    • The Five Kingdoms:

      • Animals (multicellular, no cell walls, feed on organic substances).
      • Plants (multicellular, cells with cell walls and chloroplasts, photosynthesise).
      • Fungi (multicellular, cell walls made of chitin, feed by saprophytic or parasitic nutrition).
      • Protoctists (mostly unicellular, may have chloroplasts and cell walls, some photosynthesise).
      • Prokaryotes (unicellular, no nucleus, no mitochondria).
    • Animal Kingdom & Vertebrates:

      • Vertebrates are animals with backbones.
      • Vertebrates are divided into classes (e.g., mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish).
      • Each class has defining features (e.g., hair, feathers, scales).
    • Arthropod Classification

      • Arthropods have jointed legs.
      • They are divided into groups such as myriapods (centipedes, millipedes), insects (butterflies, spiders), arachnids (spiders, scorpions), and crustaceans (crabs, lobsters).
      • Each group has specific structural features.
    • Viruses:

      • Not considered living organisms.
      • Cannot reproduce independently; they require a host cell.
      • Structure includes genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the essential characteristics of living organisms as described in the Cambridge IGCSE Biology syllabus. Understand the MRS GREN mnemonic and the principles behind the classification of species. Test your knowledge and prepare effectively for your exams.

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