Questions and Answers
What are the two parts of a scientific name?
Who developed the classification system that is still used today?
Carolus Linnaeus
What is the system of naming that involves giving an organism a two-part name?
Binomial nomenclature
In what language is the scientific name written?
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The evolutionary history of a species is called ________, but ________ is the science that groups and names species.
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What is the system of classification that is based on shared derived characters?
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A diagram that shows the evolutionary history among a group of organisms is called a __________.
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The process by which individuals that are best suited to their environment survive and reproduce is known as __________.
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Referring to natural selection, this theory was first proposed by which scientist?
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Structures that are reduced in size and no longer functional are called __________ structures.
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Structures seen in different species that are similar because of common ancestry are called __________ structures.
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Structures seen in different species that are similar in function but not in structure and are not derived from a common ancestor are called __________ structures.
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In cladistics, a feature that all members of a group share is called a __________.
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In cladistics, a feature that has evolved only within a particular group of organisms is called a __________.
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What term is used to describe a group of organisms that includes a single ancestor plus all of its descendants?
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List the seven levels of classification proposed by Linnaeus in order from broadest to most specific.
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What is the name of the eighth classification level added by modern taxonomists?
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Who was the first person to attempt to classify the living organisms on Earth?
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How is the classification process used by modern taxonomists different from the method used by Linnaeus?
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Why should the use of common names be avoided when classifying living organisms?
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What is a molecular clock?
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What is a 'shared derived character'?
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Study Notes
Taxonomy and Phylogeny
- Taxonomy is the classification system of living organisms.
- Phylogeny refers to the evolutionary history of an organism.
Levels of Classification
- Kingdom represents the broadest division (e.g., plants and animals).
- Species is the most specific group of similar organisms.
- Phylum pertains to animal kingdom subdivisions, while division pertains to plant kingdom subdivisions.
Classification Pioneers
- Carolus Linnaeus developed the modern classification system.
- Organisms were classified by morphology (physical characteristics).
Naming System
- Binomial nomenclature involves a two-part naming system.
- The two parts consist of the genus and species names.
- Scientific names are always written in Latin.
Key Concepts in Evolution and Classification
- Phylogeny describes the evolutionary history, while taxonomy is the science of grouping and naming species.
- Cladistics is a classification system based on shared derived characters.
- A cladogram visually represents evolutionary histories among organisms.
Natural Selection and Evolutionary Structures
- Natural selection is the process where individuals best suited to their environment survive and reproduce.
- This theory was first proposed by Charles Darwin.
- Vestigial structures are reduced, non-functional anatomical parts.
- Homologous structures provide evidence of common ancestry; analogous structures serve similar functions but arise independently.
Cladistics Terminology
- Shared derived characters are features that all members of a specific group share.
- Derived characters evolved within a specific group.
- A clade includes an ancestor and all its descendants.
Classifications According to Linnaeus
- The seven levels of classification, in order from broadest to most specific, are: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
- Modern taxonomists introduced a new level, Domain, placed above Kingdom.
Historical Classification Attempts
- Aristotle was the first to classify living organisms, using a method that divided them into plants and animals and further into land, water, and air dwellers.
- Problems with this system included ambiguity, such as birds fitting multiple categories.
Modern Classification Methods
- Modern taxonomists use multiple evidence types for classification, compared to Linnaeus's focus on binomial nomenclature.
- Common names can lead to confusion and inconsistency, making universal scientific communication challenging.
Molecular Evolution
- A molecular clock compares protein similarities to estimate the divergence time of common ancestors.
- Shared derived characters highlight evolutionary relationships among organisms.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the classification of living organisms, exploring key concepts such as taxonomy, phylogeny, kingdoms, and species. Understanding these foundational terms is essential for anyone studying zoology. Use these flashcards to reinforce your knowledge in the classification system.
