Classification

Question 1

What is classification?

Answer 1

The act of arranging organisms into groups based on their similarities and differences.

Question 2

What is the science of classification known as?

Answer 2

Taxonomy- this makes it easier for scientists to identify organisms and to study them.

Question 3

What is the most common classification system?

Answer 3

There are seven levels of taxonomic groups.
Organised into a hierachy- smaller groups are contained within larger groups.
Similar organisms are first sorted into larger groups called kingdoms.
Similar organisms from that kingdom are arranged into a smaller group called a phylum.
Similar organisms from that phylum are arranged into a smaller group called a class etc etc.

Question 4

What are the seven levels of hierachy?

Answer 4

Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family 
Genus 
Species

Question 5

What is a species?

Answer 5

A group of similar organisms able to reproduce to give fertile offspring.

Question 6

What is phylogenetics?

Answer 6

The study of the evolutionary history of groups of organisms- it tells us who is related to whom and how closely.

Question 7

What are some reasons why you cant always see what an organisms distinct species is?

Answer 7

• They’re extinct so you can’t study their reproductive behaviour.
• They reproduce asexually.
• There are practical and ethical issues involved.
  Because of this scientists sometimes look at comparing DNA.

Question 8

How are species named?

Answer 8

It is a two word name in Latin.

The first word is the genus name and the second word is the species name.