Classification Of Organisms Test
Welcome to the electronic frontier biology classroom for the 21st Century. Biologists have named and classified over 5 million species. Over time, scientists have created various systems of classification to organize their knowledge of the huge number of species.
You have unlimited attempts to earn a high grade. Good Luck!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of the following taxons have been added to the original list of "levels of classification"? (HINT: this is a multiple answer question.)
- A.
Domain
- B.
Variety
- C.
Class
- D.
Subspecies
- E.
Division
Correct Answer(s)
A. Domain
B. Variety
D. Subspecies
E. DivisionExplanation
The original list of "levels of classification" has been expanded to include the taxons of Domain, Variety, subspecies, and Division. These taxons were not originally included in the list but have been added to provide a more comprehensive classification system.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What is the scientific name for the common eastern box turtle? (HINT: use correct scientific name format)
Correct Answer(s)
Terrapene carolinaExplanation
The scientific name for the common eastern box turtle is Terrapene carolina.Rate this question:
- 3.
Aristotle classified animals on the basis of ....
- A.
Their size
- B.
Their evolutionary history
- C.
Where they lived
- D.
What they ate
- E.
Their appearance
Correct Answer
C. Where they livedExplanation
Aristotle classified animals on the basis of where they lived. This means that he categorized animals based on their habitat or geographical location. This classification system allowed Aristotle to organize and understand the different types of animals based on their natural environment. By grouping animals according to their living arrangements, he was able to study and compare their behaviors, adaptations, and interactions with their surroundings.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The main criterion used in Linnaeus's system of classification is an organism's....
- A.
Evolutionary history
- B.
Morphology
- C.
Taxonomy
- D.
Hierarchy
- E.
Cytological studies
Correct Answer
B. MorphologyExplanation
Linnaeus's system of classification is primarily based on an organism's morphology, which refers to its physical characteristics and structures. By examining an organism's external and internal features, such as its shape, size, color, and anatomical structures, Linnaeus classified organisms into different groups and hierarchies. This approach allowed for the categorization of organisms based on their observable traits, rather than their evolutionary history or genetic makeup. Therefore, the correct answer is morphology.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Each subset within a class of organisms is called a(n)_____
- A.
Domain
- B.
Order
- C.
Family
- D.
Genus
- E.
Phylum
- F.
Division
Correct Answer
B. OrderExplanation
Each subset within a class of organisms is called an order. Orders are a taxonomic rank used in the classification of organisms. They are used to group together organisms that share similar characteristics and are below the level of class but above the level of family. Orders help to organize and categorize the diversity of life on Earth.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In the scientific name of an organism, the first part is called a(n)_____.
- A.
Species Identifier
- B.
Variety
- C.
Subspecies
- D.
Genus
- E.
Kingdom
- F.
Class
Correct Answer
D. GenusExplanation
In the scientific name of an organism, the first part is called the genus. The genus is a taxonomic rank that groups together closely related species. It is the broader category that species belong to. The scientific name consists of two parts: the genus and the species identifier. The genus provides information about the broader classification of the organism, while the species identifier distinguishes it from other species within the same genus.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the scientific name for the Red Oak?
- A.
Quercus rubra
- B.
Quercus Rubra
- C.
Quercus phellos
- D.
Quercus alba
- E.
Quercus Alba
Correct Answer
A. Quercus rubraExplanation
The scientific name for the Red Oak is Quercus rubra.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is the scientific name for the honeybee? (HINT: use the correct format for writing this answer.)
Correct Answer
Apis melliferaExplanation
The scientific name for the honeybee is Apis mellifera.Rate this question:
- 9.
In 1942, biologist Ernst Mayr of Harvard University proposed a biologically based definition of species. _____ _____ as a group of natural populations that are interbreeding or that could interbreed. These populations are reproductively isolated from other such groups.
- A.
Species hybrids
- B.
Biological species
- C.
Biological hybrids
- D.
Genetic species
- E.
Genetic hybrids
Correct Answer
B. Biological speciesExplanation
Ernst Mayr proposed a biologically based definition of species that defines them as a group of natural populations that are interbreeding or could interbreed. These populations are reproductively isolated from other such groups. This definition emphasizes the importance of reproductive isolation in determining species boundaries, as individuals from different species cannot successfully interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Therefore, the correct answer is "biological species."Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which organism is most similar to the sandhill crane, Grus canadensis?
- A.
Branta canadensis
- B.
Falcipennis candensis
- C.
Grus americana
- D.
Recurvirostra americana
- E.
Chaos chaos
Correct Answer
C. Grus americanaExplanation
Grus americana is the most similar organism to the sandhill crane, Grus canadensis. Both organisms belong to the same genus, Grus, indicating that they share a close evolutionary relationship. The similarity in their scientific names suggests that they may have similar physical characteristics and behaviors. Therefore, Grus americana is the most likely organism to be closely related to the sandhill crane.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The scales of snakes and the scales of pangolins....
- A.
Are shared derived characters
- B.
Are homologous structures
- C.
Suggest descent from a common ancestor
- D.
Evolved independently in the two groups
- E.
Are morphological structures
Correct Answer
D. Evolved independently in the two groupsExplanation
The correct answer is "evolved independently in the two groups." This means that the scales of snakes and pangolins developed separately and are not derived from a common ancestor. This explanation suggests that the two groups evolved their scales through different evolutionary processes and are not closely related in terms of scale development.Rate this question:
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- 12.
In cladistics, what termis used for a group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all of its descendents?
- A.
Class
- B.
Clade
- C.
Phylum
- D.
Species
- E.
Kingdom
Correct Answer
B. CladeExplanation
A clade is a term used in cladistics to refer to a group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants. This means that all the organisms in a clade share a common ancestor and are part of the same evolutionary lineage. The other options, such as class, phylum, species, and kingdom, do not specifically refer to a group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Please check those mythical organisms found in the list below.
- A.
Tree kangaroo
- B.
Pegasus
- C.
Centaur
- D.
Griffin
- E.
Gifboom
- F.
Chimera
- G.
Dragon
Correct Answer(s)
B. Pegasus
C. Centaur
D. Griffin
F. Chimera
G. DragonExplanation
The given list includes mythical creatures such as Pegasus, Centaur, Griffin, Chimera, and Dragon. These creatures are not found in the real world and are part of various mythologies and folklore. Pegasus is a winged horse, Centaur is a creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse, Griffin is a creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, Chimera is a fire-breathing monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent, and Dragon is a legendary creature with reptilian features and the ability to breathe fire.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Please check those which are not mythical organisms found in the list below.
- A.
Tree kangaroo
- B.
Pegasus
- C.
Honeybee
- D.
Griffin
- E.
Gifboom
- F.
Chimera
- G.
Dragon
Correct Answer(s)
A. Tree kangaroo
C. Honeybee
E. GifboomExplanation
The correct answer is Pegasus, Griffin, Chimera, and Dragon. These four options are mythical creatures from folklore and do not exist in reality. On the other hand, tree kangaroos, honeybees, and gifboom are actual organisms that can be found in nature.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What is the scientific name for the dandelion? (HINT: Please do not forget to use the correct format.)
Correct Answer(s)
Taraxacum officinaleExplanation
The scientific name for the dandelion is Taraxacum officinale.Rate this question:
- 16.
Please identify those scientists who aided in the development of the classification system(s).
- A.
Theophrastus
- B.
Gessner
- C.
Ray
- D.
Linnaeus
- E.
Haeckel
- F.
Whittaker
- G.
Hennig
- H.
Woese
- I.
Michaels
- J.
Hess
Correct Answer(s)
A. Theophrastus
B. Gessner
C. Ray
D. Linnaeus
E. Haeckel
F. Whittaker
G. Hennig
H. WoeseExplanation
The correct answer includes a list of scientists who aided in the development of the classification system(s). These scientists are Theophrastus, Gessner, Ray, Linnaeus, Haeckel, Whittaker, Hennig, Woese.Rate this question:
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- 17.
_____ _____ uses fossil constraints and rates of molecular change to deduce the time in geologic history.
- A.
Molecular Cladistics
- B.
Molecular Clock
- C.
Molecular Chromosomes
- D.
Negative Selection
Correct Answer
B. Molecular ClockExplanation
The correct answer is "Molecular Clock". The molecular clock is a method that uses fossil constraints and rates of molecular change to estimate the time in geologic history. It assumes that the rate of molecular evolution is relatively constant over time, allowing scientists to calculate the time when two species diverged from a common ancestor. This method is widely used in evolutionary biology and has provided valuable insights into the timing of evolutionary events.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The molecular-clock model of evolutionary relationships is based on the assumption that changes in macromolecule sequences.....
- A.
Are not random
- B.
Are affected by natural selection
- C.
Are greater in species with more-distant common ancestors
- D.
Occur at different rates in different organisms
- E.
Are random
Correct Answer
C. Are greater in species with more-distant common ancestorsExplanation
The molecular-clock model of evolutionary relationships is based on the assumption that changes in macromolecule sequences are greater in species with more-distant common ancestors. This means that as species diverge and have more time to accumulate genetic differences, the rate of molecular sequence changes will be higher. This assumption allows scientists to estimate the timing of evolutionary events and the degree of relatedness between different species based on the amount of genetic divergence observed.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Scientists classify organisms based on many kinds of information. Please check the types of data used. (HINT: there are multiple answers for this question.)
- A.
Appearance
- B.
Structure
- C.
Breeding patterns
- D.
DNA sequences
- E.
Sex
- F.
Religion
Correct Answer(s)
A. Appearance
B. Structure
C. Breeding patterns
D. DNA sequencesExplanation
Scientists classify organisms based on their appearance, structure, breeding patterns, and DNA sequences. These types of data provide valuable information about the characteristics and relationships of different organisms. Appearance refers to the physical features and traits of an organism, while structure refers to the internal and external anatomy. Breeding patterns help determine how organisms reproduce and pass on their traits. DNA sequences provide genetic information that can reveal evolutionary relationships and genetic similarities between different organisms. Sex and religion are not relevant factors in the scientific classification of organisms.Rate this question:
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- 20.
_____ is a method of analysis that uses similarities of organisms to infer evolutionary relationships. (HINT: Please observe grammar rules.)
Correct Answer(s)
CladisticsExplanation
Cladistics is a method of analysis that uses similarities of organisms to infer evolutionary relationships. It is a way of grouping organisms based on common characteristics and determining their shared ancestry. By comparing the presence or absence of certain traits, scientists can create a cladogram, which represents the evolutionary history of a group of organisms. Cladistics is widely used in biology to study the relationships between different species and to understand the patterns of evolution.Rate this question:
- 21.
What type of classification system is observed in the image below?
- A.
Taxonic classification
- B.
Cladistic Taxonomy
- C.
Evolutionary Systematics
- D.
Field Guide
- E.
Binomial nomenclature
Correct Answer
B. Cladistic TaxonomyExplanation
The image represents a classification system that is based on cladistics. Cladistic taxonomy is a method of classification that groups organisms based on their shared derived characteristics, focusing on evolutionary relationships. It organizes species into groups called clades, which include a common ancestor and all of its descendants. This system aims to reflect the evolutionary history of organisms and their relationships, rather than just physical similarities. Therefore, the correct answer is Cladistic Taxonomy.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Systematists often represent their hypothesis in the form of a phylogenetic diagram, also called a phylogenetic tree.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Systematists often use phylogenetic diagrams, also known as phylogenetic trees, to represent their hypotheses. These diagrams show the evolutionary relationships between different species or groups of organisms. By analyzing the similarities and differences in their characteristics, systematists can construct these trees to illustrate the evolutionary history and relatedness of different organisms. Therefore, the statement that systematists often represent their hypothesis in the form of a phylogenetic diagram is true.Rate this question:
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- 23.
_____ names sixth kingdom and three additional domains.
- A.
Ray
- B.
Linnaeus
- C.
Woese
- D.
Hennig
- E.
Gessner
Correct Answer
C. WoeseExplanation
Woese is the correct answer because Carl Woese proposed the concept of the three domains of life - Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. He also suggested that these domains should be considered at the same hierarchical level as the kingdom. This challenged the traditional five-kingdom system proposed by Robert Whittaker and led to the recognition of Archaea as a distinct domain. Woese's work revolutionized our understanding of the diversity and evolution of life on Earth.Rate this question:
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- 24.
In _____, Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner published Historia Animalium, categorizing thousands of animals into quadrupeds, birds, fish, and snakes.
Correct Answer
1555Explanation
In 1555, Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner published Historia Animalium, a groundbreaking work in the field of zoology. This publication categorized thousands of animals into four main groups: quadrupeds, birds, fish, and snakes. Gessner's work was significant because it provided a comprehensive and systematic approach to the classification of animals, laying the foundation for future advancements in the study of zoology.Rate this question:
- 25.
In _____ American molecular biologist Carl Woese proposed a six-kingdom system that divided the then-existing kingdom Monera into two new kingdoms; Archaebacteria and Eubacteria.
Correct Answer
1977Explanation
In 1977, American molecular biologist Carl Woese proposed a six-kingdom system that divided the then-existing kingdom Monera into two new kingdoms; Archaebacteria and Eubacteria. This proposal was a significant development in the field of biology as it recognized the distinct genetic and evolutionary differences between these two groups of bacteria. Woese's work laid the foundation for a better understanding of the diversity and classification of microorganisms.Rate this question:
- 26.
Select those domains which have an all unicellular and multicellular body plan. (HINT: this is a multiple-answer question.)
- A.
Bacteria
- B.
Archaea
- C.
Eukarya (Protista)
- D.
Eukarya (Fungi)
- E.
Eukarya (Plantae)
- F.
Eukarya (Animalia)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Bacteria
B. Archaea
C. Eukarya (Protista)
D. Eukarya (Fungi)Explanation
The correct answer includes Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya (Protista), and Eukarya (Fungi). These domains have both unicellular and multicellular body plans. Bacteria and Archaea are prokaryotes that can exist as single-celled organisms. Eukarya (Protista) includes various unicellular and some multicellular organisms such as algae and protozoa. Eukarya (Fungi) includes both unicellular yeasts and multicellular fungi with hyphae. Eukarya (Plantae) and Eukarya (Animalia) are not included in the correct answer as they have predominantly multicellular body plans with some exceptions like unicellular algae in Plantae.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Select those domains which have an all unicellular body plan. (HINT: this is a multiple-answer question.)
- A.
Bacteria
- B.
Archaea
- C.
Eukarya (Protista)
- D.
Eukarya (Fungi)
- E.
Eukarya (Plantae)
- F.
Eukarya (Animalia)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Bacteria
B. ArchaeaExplanation
The correct answer is Bacteria and Archaea. Bacteria and Archaea are both domains that have an all unicellular body plan. They are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. This distinguishes them from the other options listed, which are all eukaryotic domains and include multicellular organisms such as fungi, plants, and animals.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Select those domains which have photosynthesis as the source of nutrition. (HINT: this is a multiple-answer question.)
- A.
Bacteria
- B.
Archaea
- C.
Eukarya (Protista)
- D.
Eukarya (Fungi)
- E.
Eukarya (Plantae)
- F.
Eukarya (Animalia)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Bacteria
C. Eukarya (Protista)
E. Eukarya (Plantae)Explanation
The correct answer is Bacteria, Eukarya (Protista), and Eukarya (Plantae). These domains have photosynthesis as the source of nutrition. Bacteria are capable of performing photosynthesis through different mechanisms, such as oxygenic or anoxygenic photosynthesis. Eukarya (Protista) includes various single-celled organisms, some of which are capable of photosynthesis. Eukarya (Plantae) comprises plants, which are well-known for their ability to perform photosynthesis.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Select those domains which have no cell walls. (HINT: this is a multiple-answer question.)
- A.
Bacteria
- B.
Archaea
- C.
Eukarya (Protista)
- D.
Eukarya (Fungi)
- E.
Eukarya (Plantae)
- F.
Eukarya (Animalia)
Correct Answer
F. Eukarya (Animalia)Explanation
Eukarya (Animalia) is the correct answer because animals are the only domain within Eukarya that do not have cell walls. Bacteria and Archaea both have cell walls, while some organisms within Eukarya (Protista, Fungi, and Plantae) also have cell walls. Animals, on the other hand, have cell membranes but lack cell walls.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Select those domains which are prokaryotic and lack a nucleus. (HINT: this is a multiple-answer question.)
- A.
Bacteria
- B.
Archaea
- C.
Eukarya (Protista)
- D.
Eukarya (Fungi)
- E.
Eukarya (Plantae)
- F.
Eukarya (Animalia)
Correct Answer(s)
A. Bacteria
B. ArchaeaExplanation
The correct answer is Bacteria and Archaea. Bacteria and Archaea are both prokaryotic domains that lack a nucleus. Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that do not have a membrane-bound nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria and Archaea have a simpler cell structure compared to eukaryotes, which have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.Rate this question:
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Mar 19, 2023Quiz Edited by
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