Taxonomy and Classification Quiz

Correct Taxonomic Naming

• The earliest name should be used, per the Law of Priority.
• One particular name can only be used for one taxon.

Incorrect Taxonomic Order

• The binomial system is based on the classification of organisms based on similar characteristics.
• Whittaker recommended kingdoms as a classification.
• Geographical isolation shows morphological differences, but species can still exchange genes if they meet and mate.
• Evolutionary classifications are different from standard taxonomy.

Taxonomic Categories

• Order: A taxonomic rank above Family, and below class
• Class: A taxonomic rank above Order, and below Phylum
• Order/class/subphylum: is a taxonomic rank of one name, used in evolutionary cladistics
• Species/genus/family: uses 2 names and observed in evolutionary systematics
• Subspecies: a taxonomic rank of organisms; (a rank below species) (used in phenotypic classifications)
• Biospecies: a taxonomic rank used in classifications including biological systematics
• Breed: is a taxonomic classification used in zoology
• Species: taxonomic rank in biology

Additional Taxonomic Information

• Phenetics: A method of classification based on the degree of overall similarity between organisms.
• Cladistics: A classification method based on evolutionary relationships and branching patterns.
• Homonyms: Multiple names for a single species can not be used, the earliest should be used.
• Priority: in nomenclature, the first named taxa has naming priority
• Stability: in nomenclature, using the same name for the same taxa
• Scientific nomenclature: rules for scientific naming of organisms
• Muscidae: A taxonomic order (Insects)
• Musca domestica: A taxonomic species (House fly)

Phylogenetic Relationships (Based on Provided Questions)

• Trypanosoma: belong to a specific order (not specified)
• Leishmania: belong to a specific order (not specified)
• Giardia: belong to a specific order (not specified)
• Emeria: does not have a cyst but many other genera do
• Cystogenic coccidia: genus not found
• Haemosporinids: genus not found
• Piroplasms: genus not found
• Cnidarians: organisms mentioned are related

Categorizations and Characteristics

• Flatworms (Platyhelminthes): A large phylum of invertebrates.

• Cestodes: flatworms with a characteristic lack of a gut and no feeding structures

• Trematodes: parasitic flatworms with a gut

• Nematodes: roundworms, have different feeding methods.

• Guts: Some have one-branched; others have two-branched blind endings, three-branched guts

• Ovaries: Adult tapeworms have multiple ovaries

• Pseudocoelomates: have a body cavity

• Copulatory bursa: males feature such structures in some nematodes

• Lumbricus terrestris: an earthworm

  • Characteristics: details not specified, but characteristics are noted

• Feeding apparatuses: Leech feeding methods are noted but details not explicitly mentioned

• Invertebrate intelligence: Cephalopods, mentioned as possibly the most intelligent invertebrates noted.

Organisms with Particular Structures

• Sea squirts (Hemichordata): Have specific characteristics for their phylum.
• Hagfish: are described to have specific characteristics
• Lampreys: are described to have specific characteristics
• Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous fishes): have characteristics including teeth, fin types, and body cover.
• Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes): have specific characteristics including teeth, fin types, body cover.

Additional Information

• Number of species: (inferred from the questions), such as nematodes, and other organisms are mentioned

• Specific details on organisms have been mentioned in the questions such as taxonomic classification and characteristics.