Questions and Answers
Why are classification systems important?
They help us to understand how organisms are related.
What is a natural classification system?
They are classification systems based on the evolutionary relationships and the genetic similarities between organisms.
What are artificial classification systems?
They are classification systems based on appearance rather than the genes of organisms.
What is a genus?
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What is a species?
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Why can it be difficult to classify animals?
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Why do classification systems change over time?
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What are evolutionary trees?
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What is the binomial naming system?
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Why is the binomial system used?
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What happens as you increase trophic levels?
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What does each bar on a pyramid of biomass show?
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What is the problem with measuring biomass?
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Why are pyramids of biomass sometimes inaccurate?
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Why is some energy lost at each of the stages of a food chain?
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Why are most food chains no longer than 5 trophic levels?
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What is the equation for efficiency of energy transfer?
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Study Notes
Importance of Classification Systems
- Classification systems help comprehend the relationships between organisms.
Natural Classification Systems
- Based on evolutionary relationships and genetic similarities among organisms.
Artificial Classification Systems
- Focused on physical appearance rather than genetic data, primarily used for identification of organisms.
Genus
- A category that groups closely related species together.
Species
- Defined as a group of organisms capable of breeding together to produce fertile offspring.
Challenges in Classifying Animals
- Many organisms exhibit traits belonging to multiple groups.
- Asexual reproduction and hybridization complicate species classification.
Evolution of Classification Systems
- New species discoveries and advancements in DNA sequencing alter classification.
- Evolutionary relationships can be reevaluated based on newfound data, affecting how organisms are classified.
Evolutionary Trees
- Diagrams illustrating evolutionary relationships, indicating common ancestors.
- Closer common ancestors signify greater relatedness between species.
Binomial Naming System
- Comprises a two-part Latin name; the first part indicates the genus, the second identifies the species.
Global Use of the Binomial System
- Universal among scientists globally due to its Latin basis, allowing for clear communication across different languages.
Trophic Levels and Energy Transfer
- Energy, biomass, and number of organisms decrease as trophic levels increase.
Pyramids of Biomass
- Each bar represents the mass of living material at a specific food chain stage.
Challenges in Measuring Biomass
- Biomass measurement requires killing and drying organisms, which raises ethical concerns.
Inaccuracies in Biomass Pyramids
- Some organisms operate at multiple trophic levels, leading to potential discrepancies in biomass representation.
Energy Loss in Food Chains
- Energy is lost at each step due to metabolic processes like respiration and movement, not all of which contributes to growth.
Limitations of Food Chain Length
- Most food chains do not exceed five trophic levels due to energy loss, which limits the energy available for higher levels.
Energy Transfer Efficiency Equation
- Efficiency = (Energy available at next level / Energy available to previous level) x 100.
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Test your knowledge with these flashcards focusing on classification systems in biology. Understand the differences between natural and artificial classification systems and why they are essential for studying organisms. Perfect for Biology B2 students preparing for their exams.
