Species and taxonomy Flashcards – AQA A-Level Biology - (7402)

What is phylogenetic classification?

The grouping of species according to their evolutionary origins and relationships.

What is a taxon, and what is its plural?

A taxon is a classification group; the plural is taxa.

How are smaller and larger taxa arranged in a classification hierarchy?

Smaller taxa are nested within larger taxa.

Can classification groups at the same rank overlap?

No, groups at the same rank do not overlap.

What are the eight taxonomic ranks, from broadest to most specific?

Domain → kingdom → phylum → class → order → family → genus → species.

What is binomial nomenclature?

A system that gives each species a universally used, two-part scientific name.

What are the two parts of a binomial name?

The genus name, followed by the specific epithet, which identifies the species within that genus.

How is a binomial name conventionally written?

The genus starts with a capital letter, the specific epithet with a lower-case letter, and the full name is normally italicised.

How can antibodies reveal protein similarities between organisms?

An antibody that binds to a protein from one organism may also bind to a similar protein from another.

How does genome sequencing provide evidence about evolutionary relationships?

It allows DNA sequences to be compared directly.

What can greater molecular similarity indicate about two organisms’ evolutionary relationship?

A closer relationship and a more recent common origin.

How can molecular evidence affect the grouping of organisms?

It can clarify or revise their groupings when relationships are reconsidered.