Taxonomy is the classification and naming of things according to criteria. Those criteria may be straightforward, such as color or height, or more complex, such as the presence of a particular gene, trait, or behavior. A taxon is one specific subgroup in a classification system; taxa is the plural form.
Both words are italicized in print. For example, the scientific names are Felis catus for the house cat and Homo sapiens for modern humans.
All flashcards
Taxon
One specific subgroup within a classification system; taxa is the plural.
Binomial nomenclature
A naming system that assigns each organism a two-part scientific name: genus followed by specific name.
Hierarchical classification
An arrangement of organisms in nested groups, from broader categories to more specific ones.
Biological species definition
Defines a species as organisms that can interbreed successfully and are reproductively isolated from other groups.
Mate recognition species definition
Defines a species as organisms that recognize one another as potential mates.
Quiz questions
Which evidence is central to the biological species definition?Answer: Successful interbreeding within a group and reproductive isolation from other groups.
What does the ecological species definition emphasize?Answer: How natural selection maintains species boundaries, even when some interbreeding occurs.
What evidence does the phylogenetic species definition use to identify a species?Answer: A unique characteristic not found in other identified species.
What is the defining focus of the mate recognition species definition?Answer: Whether organisms recognize one another as potential mates.
Why is the biological species definition difficult to apply directly to fossils?Answer: Fossils do not reveal whether the organisms could successfully interbreed.
Based on Introduction to Anthropology by Jennifer Hasty, David G. Lewis, Marjorie M. Snipes (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.