Classification of species

• What is the binomial system used for?

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

  Genus and species
• What does the term "Gnomeo" refer to?

  To know or name
• How is the binomial name presented?

  In italics, with genus capitalized
• Why is the binomial system advantageous?

  It shows how closely related organisms are
• What is the relationship between the New Zealand Robin and the common Robin?

  They are not closely related
• What genus do tigers and jaguars belong to?

  Panthera
• Why do some species look similar despite being different species?

  Due to similar environmental conditions
• What is the role of natural selection in similar appearances among species?

  It leads to similar alleles becoming common
• What does a hierarchy in classification mean?

  Small groups arranged within large groups
• What is the broadest classification group?

  Domain
• What are the main taxa in the classification hierarchy?

  Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species
• What is the purpose of classifying organisms?

  • Organize millions of species
  • Understand relationships between organisms
  • Track changes due to evolution or climate change
  • Share data globally
• What methods are used to classify organisms today?

  DNA sequences, mRNA sequences, amino acid sequences
• What is immunological comparison in classification?

  Comparing antigens and antibodies of organisms
• What does phylogenetic classification focus on?

  Evolutionary origins and relationships
• What do phylogenetic trees represent?

  Common ancestors and evolutionary relationships
• What does a branch in a phylogenetic tree indicate?

  A common ancestor of diverging species
• How far back can common ancestors in phylogenetic trees date?

  Millions of years ago
• What are the limitations of using visible characteristics for classification?

  • Members of the same species can look different
  • Different species can look very similar
  • Misidentification can occur