Classification and Taxonomy

• What is the definition of evolution?

  Change in inherited traits over generations
• What is the purpose of classification in biology?

  To organize and understand biological diversity
• What are the five vertebrate groups?

  • Mammals
  • Reptiles
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Amphibians
• Who developed the system of taxonomy?

  Carolus Linnaeus
• What is taxonomy?

  The science of identifying and naming organisms
• What are the common characteristics of mammals?

  Backbone, hair, lungs, milk production
• How do reptiles breathe?

  They breathe with lungs
• What is a defining characteristic of birds?

  Feathers
• Why do amphibians need water for their eggs?

  To prevent them from drying out
• What is the primary respiratory organ of fish?

  Gills
• What is binomial nomenclature?

  A two-part naming system for species
• What are the two parts of a scientific name?

  Genus and species
• What does the term "oviparous" mean?

  Egg-laying
• How does classification help in understanding evolutionary relationships?

  It groups organisms based on shared characteristics
• What are the reasons for classifying organisms?

  1. Organization of knowledge
  2. Understanding relationships
  3. Identification and naming
  4. Predictive value
  5. Conservation efforts
• What is the mnemonic to remember the taxonomic hierarchy?

  King Philip Came Over For Great Soup
• What is the role of DNA analysis in classification?

  It clarifies relationships between species
• What challenges arise from morphological similarities in classification?

  Similar features can mislead classification
• What is convergent evolution?

  Different species evolve similar traits independently
• Who was the first great generaliser in classification?

  Aristotle
• What is the purpose of cladistic analysis?

  To establish relatedness based on common features
• How can scientists predict characteristics of a newly classified species?

  By inferring traits from its known family
• What are the steps in the taxonomic process for naming a species?

  1. Sorting specimens
  2. Identifying species
  3. Describing the specimen
  4. Publishing the name and description
• What is the significance of binomial nomenclature?

  It provides a unique identifier for each species
• Why do scientists avoid using common names for species?

  Common names can vary by region and language
• How does hybridization complicate classification?

  It creates hybrids that blur species lines
• What is the role of symbiotic relationships in classification?

  They complicate the classification of organisms
• What are the challenges in classifying unusual animals?

  • Morphological similarities
  • Convergent evolution
  • Hybridization
  • Cryptic species
  • Multifunctionality
  • DNA analysis
• What is the main focus of evolutionary systematics?

  Specific features and their uses
• What is the purpose of the mock exam mentioned?

  To revise everything learned in biology
• Why is it important for scientists to communicate effectively about classification?

  To ensure clear understanding of organisms
• What is the significance of Aristotle's contributions to classification?

  He separated invertebrates into different groups
• What is the first step in the taxonomic process?

  Sorting specimens
• What is the importance of understanding animal adaptations?

  It helps explain how animals survive in environments
• How does the classification system help in conservation efforts?

  It identifies species needing protection
• Why is it important to read, write, and speak scientifically?

  To communicate effectively in scientific contexts
• What is the role of the genus name in binomial nomenclature?

  It is the first part and capitalized
• What happens after the first mention of a genus name?

  It can be abbreviated to its initial
• How does the classification of organisms relate to their evolutionary history?

  It traces relationships based on shared traits
• What is the significance of the phrase "avoiding confusion" in classification?

  It prevents misidentification of species