classification phylogeny taxonomy

• What is the binomial system used for?


  To name organisms universally
• What are the two parts of a binomial name?

  The genus and the species
• How is the binomial naming convention presented?


  In italics, with the genus capitalized and the species in lowercase
• Why is the binomial system advantageous?

  It provides a clearer understanding of how closely related organisms are
• How do the common names of organisms sometimes mislead scientists?

  Common names can suggest close relationships that do not exist
• Why do some species look similar despite being different species?

  They may have adapted to similar environments and selection pressures
• What is the role of natural selection in the similarity of species?

  Natural selection favors similar alleles in similar environments
• What is the hierarchy system in classification?

  • Small groups arranged within larger groups
  • No overlap between groups
• What is the broadest classification group in the hierarchy?

  Domain
• What are the three main groups classified under the domain?

  Prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and archaea
• What is the order of taxa in the classification hierarchy?

  Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species
• What does it mean that there is no overlap between groups in classification?

  Different species within a genus cannot produce fertile offspring
• Why is it important to classify organisms?

  To organize millions of species and understand their relationships
• What are the four modern methods used for classifying organisms?

  DNA base sequences, mRNA base sequences, amino acid sequences, and immunological comparisons
• What does immunological comparison involve?

  Comparing the similarity of antigens and antibodies between organisms
• What is phylogenetic classification focused on?

  Grouping organisms based on evolutionary origins and relationships
• What do phylogenetic trees represent?

  They show the evolutionary relationships and common ancestors of species
• What does a branch in a phylogenetic tree indicate?

  It represents a common ancestor from which two species evolved
• How far back can common ancestors in phylogenetic trees date?

  They can date back millions of years
• What are the key points of the binomial naming system?

  • Universal method for naming organisms
  • Consists of genus and species
  • Presented in italics with genus capitalized
  • Helps understand relationships between organisms
• What are the key points of the classification hierarchy?

  • Organisms classified into domains, kingdoms, phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species
  • Small groups within larger groups
  • No overlap between groups