Discuss the advantages of an internationally agreed system of nomenclature.
An internationally agreed system of nomenclature provides universal clarity, precision, and stability by assigning a unique, standardized name to each species, eliminating confusion caused by local common names.
Define biological classification.
Biological classification is hierarchical and indicates the relationship between organisms based on their physical structures and the similarities in shared molecular sequences.
What is the difference between scientific names and common names?
Scientific names are universally recognized, unique, and in Latin (e.g., Homo sapiens).
Common names vary by language or region (e.g., “human”).
Why do closely related species have similar scientific names?
Because they share a genus, indicating evolutionary relationships (e.g., Pan troglodytes and Pan paniscus are both in genus Pan).
What is reproductive isolation?
Features or mechanisms that prevent different species from interbreeding.
What are the two types of reproductive isolating mechanisms?
Pre-zygotic: Prevent fertilization (e.g., temporal, behavioral, mechanical, gametic).
Post-zygotic: Fertilization occurs, but offspring are inviable or sterile (e.g., mules).
Give an example of pre-zygotic isolation.
Temporal isolation: two species breed at different times of the year.
Give an example of post-zygotic isolation.
Hybrid sterility: a mule (offspring of horse and donkey) cannot reproduce.
