Classification Of Organisms Vocabulary Test

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  • 1/30 Questions

    A(n)_____ is a taxonomic category containing similar species.

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About This Quiz

Welcome to the electronic frontier science classroom of the 21st century. One important branch of biology studies biodiversity, the variety of organisms considered at all levels from populations to ecosystems. This vocabulary test includes basic concepts used in many different biology textbooks.
Special instructions: when a fill in type question presents itself during the course of this test. Please enter your answer(s) using all lower case letters, unless you are given specific directions to do otherwise.
I wish you well in your future studies of biology and other life sciences.

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  • 2. 

    A(n) _____ contains many phyla.

    Explanation
    A kingdom contains many phyla. In biology, a kingdom is the highest taxonomic rank, and it is used to classify organisms into broad categories based on their characteristics and evolutionary relationships. Within a kingdom, there are multiple phyla, which are the next level of classification. Phyla group together organisms that share certain fundamental features and are more closely related to each other than to organisms in other phyla. Therefore, it is accurate to say that a kingdom contains many phyla.

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  • 3. 

    What taxon is missing from the following list? Domain, Kingdom, species, order, genus, variety, phylum, family, division

    Explanation
    The taxon missing from the given list is "class". In the hierarchical classification system, class is a taxonomic rank that is placed between phylum and order. It represents a group of related organisms that share certain characteristics and is used to further categorize and organize species within a particular phylum. In the given list, class is missing, which makes it incomplete.

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  • 4. 

    A domain contains what taxon?

    Explanation
    A domain contains the taxonomic category of kingdom or kingdoms.

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  • 5. 

    Carolus Linnaeus developed a system for naming and classifying organisms, which is the called _____.

    Explanation
    Carolus Linnaeus developed a system for naming and classifying organisms, which is called taxonomy. Taxonomy is the science of categorizing and naming living organisms based on their characteristics and relationships. Linnaeus's system, known as binomial nomenclature, assigns each organism a unique two-part name consisting of its genus and species. This system revolutionized the field of biology and is still widely used today.

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  • 6. 

    A(n)_____ is the smallest grouping, which contains only one kind of organism.

    Explanation
    A species is the smallest grouping that contains only one kind of organism. It refers to a group of organisms that share similar characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. On the other hand, a variety refers to a subdivision within a species that exhibits distinct traits but can still interbreed with other varieties of the same species. Therefore, the correct answer is species.

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  • 7. 

    Reconstructing phylogenies by inferring relationships based on similarities derived from a common ancestor without considering the "strength" of a character is called a(n)_____.

    Explanation
    Cladistic or cladistics is the correct answer because it refers to the process of reconstructing phylogenies by inferring relationships based on similarities derived from a common ancestor, without taking into account the "strength" of a character. Cladistics focuses on identifying and grouping organisms based on shared derived characteristics, rather than considering the degree of similarity or difference between characters.

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  • 8. 

    A similar feature that has a similar function, but is not from a similar lineage is called a(n)_____ _____.

    Explanation
    An analogous character refers to a feature that performs a similar function as another feature but does not share a common evolutionary origin. This means that although they may have similar functions, they have evolved independently in different lineages.

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  • 9. 

    In plants, what is the classification level below the domain is known as a(n)_____?

    Explanation
    In plants, the classification level below the domain is known as a division. This term is used to categorize plants into different groups based on their characteristics and evolutionary history. Divisions are further divided into classes, orders, families, genera, and species, allowing for a more specific classification of plants.

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  • 10. 

    Evolutionary relationships are displayed in a branching diagram called a(n)_____  _____.

    Explanation
    A phylogenetic diagram is a branching diagram that displays the evolutionary relationships between different species or groups of organisms. It shows how species have evolved from a common ancestor and how they are related to each other. This diagram is used to study and understand the evolutionary history and patterns of biodiversity.

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  • 11. 

    Is the scientific name Pinus rubra written correctly based upon binomial nomenclature rules?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The scientific name Pinus rubra is written correctly based upon binomial nomenclature rules. In binomial nomenclature, the scientific name of an organism consists of two parts - the genus name (Pinus in this case) and the species name (rubra in this case). The genus name is always capitalized and the species name is written in lowercase. Additionally, both names are italicized or underlined when written in print. Therefore, Pinus rubra follows these rules and is written correctly.

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  • 12. 

    Which one of the following scientists is known as the "father of modern taxonomy"?

    • Aristotle

    • Carolus Linnaeus

    • C. J. Temminck

    • Isaac Newton

    • Terry Erwin

    Correct Answer
    A. Carolus Linnaeus
    Explanation
    Carolus Linnaeus is known as the "father of modern taxonomy" because he developed the binomial nomenclature system, which is still used today to classify and name organisms. Linnaeus revolutionized the field of taxonomy by introducing a standardized way to name and categorize species, using a two-part Latin name consisting of the genus and species. His work laid the foundation for the modern classification system and greatly contributed to our understanding of the diversity and relationships among living organisms.

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  • 13. 

    The two-word system for naming organisms called analogous nomenclature.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The given statement is false. The two-word system for naming organisms is actually called binomial nomenclature. This system was developed by the botanist Carl Linnaeus and is used to give each species a unique scientific name consisting of two parts: the genus and the species. The use of binomial nomenclature helps to ensure clear and consistent communication among scientists studying different organisms.

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  • 14. 

    The classification level in which similar genera are grouped is called a(n)_____.

    Correct Answer
    family
    Explanation
    In biological classification, similar genera are grouped together in a classification level called a family. A family is a higher taxonomic rank than a genus and consists of a group of related genera that share common characteristics. This grouping helps scientists organize and categorize different species based on their evolutionary relationships and shared traits.

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  • 15. 

    The evolutionary history of a species is its phylogeny.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because the evolutionary history of a species is indeed its phylogeny. Phylogeny refers to the study of the evolutionary relationships between different species or groups of organisms. It involves analyzing genetic and physical characteristics to determine how species are related and how they have evolved over time. By studying phylogeny, scientists can understand the evolutionary history of a species, including its common ancestors and the branching patterns of its lineage. Therefore, the given statement is correct.

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  • 16. 

    The naturalist who developed the two-word system for organisms was Willi Hennig

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The naturalist who developed the two-word system for organisms was actually Carl Linnaeus, not Willi Hennig. Linnaeus is known as the father of modern taxonomy and developed the binomial nomenclature system, where each organism is given a two-part scientific name consisting of its genus and species. Willi Hennig, on the other hand, is known for his work in the field of cladistics, which focuses on evolutionary relationships among organisms.

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  • 17. 

    A(n) cladogram is a branching diagram used to show evolutionary relationships in groups of shared derived characters.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    A cladogram is indeed a branching diagram used to show evolutionary relationships in groups of shared derived characters. It is a visual representation that helps scientists understand the evolutionary history and relatedness of different species or groups. By analyzing the presence or absence of specific traits or characteristics, scientists can determine the evolutionary relationships between different organisms. Therefore, the statement "A(n) cladogram is a branching diagram used to show evolutionary relationships in groups of shared derived characters" is true.

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  • 18. 

    Any group within a taxonomic system is called a(n)_____.

    • Cladistics

    • Division

    • Taxonomy

    • Taxon

    • Species

    Correct Answer
    A. Taxon
    Explanation
    A taxon refers to any group within a taxonomic system. It can be a species, a division, or any other classification level. Taxonomy is the science of classification, and cladistics is a method of organizing organisms based on evolutionary relationships. Therefore, taxon is the correct answer as it encompasses all the possible groups within a taxonomic system.

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  • 19. 

    The naturalist who developed the two-word system for organisms was Terry Erwin.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The correct answer is False. The naturalist who developed the two-word system for organisms was Carl Linnaeus, not Terry Erwin. Linnaeus is known as the father of modern taxonomy and introduced the binomial nomenclature system, which uses two words to name organisms, consisting of the genus and species names.

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  • 20. 

    The naturalist who developed the two-word system for organisms was _____.

    • Aristotle

    • Carolus Linnaeus

    • Terry Erwin

    • William Hennig

    Correct Answer
    A. Carolus Linnaeus
    Explanation
    Carolus Linnaeus is the correct answer because he is widely known as the naturalist who developed the two-word system for organisms, also known as binomial nomenclature. This system assigns a unique scientific name to each species, consisting of a genus name followed by a species name. Linnaeus' work laid the foundation for modern taxonomy and classification of organisms.

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  • 21. 

    What level of classification has similar families combined into a(n)_____?

    • Species

    • Kingdom

    • Order

    • Taxon

    • Genus

    Correct Answer
    A. Order
    Explanation
    Similar families are combined into an order in the classification system. In the hierarchical structure of classification, order is a higher level than family and represents a group of related families. This helps to organize and categorize different species based on their similarities and relationships.

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  • 22. 

    What characteristics do scientists used in cladistics?

    • Analogous structures

    • Convergent structures

    • Shared derived characters

    • Shared homologous traits

    • C and A are correct answers

    • A and D are correct answers

    Correct Answer
    A. Shared derived characters
    Explanation
    Scientists use shared derived characters in cladistics. Shared derived characters are traits that are unique to a particular group of organisms and are inherited from a common ancestor. These traits help scientists determine evolutionary relationships and construct phylogenetic trees. By comparing the presence or absence of shared derived characters among different groups of organisms, scientists can infer the evolutionary history and relatedness of those groups.

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  • 23. 

    What are the unique characteristics used in cladistics are called _____  _____.

    • Phylogenic characters

    • Analogous characters

    • Derived characters

    • Binomial nomenaclature

    Correct Answer
    A. Derived characters
    Explanation
    Derived characters are unique characteristics used in cladistics. These characters are traits that have evolved in a particular group of organisms and are not found in their ancestors. They are used to determine the evolutionary relationships between different species and to construct phylogenetic trees. Derived characters can include physical features, behaviors, or genetic traits that are specific to a particular group of organisms and are used to differentiate them from other related groups.

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  • 24. 

    What are orders with common properties are combined into a(n)_____ called?

    • Cladogram

    • Class

    • Family

    • Order

    • Species

    Correct Answer
    A. Class
    Explanation
    Orders with common properties are combined into a class. In taxonomy, a class is a higher level of classification than an order. It represents a group of related orders that share similar characteristics. This hierarchical organization helps in organizing and categorizing different species based on their shared traits.

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  • 25. 

    What is the most general level of classsifcation is called a(n)_____?

    • Class

    • Domain

    • Family

    • Order

    • Species

    Correct Answer
    A. Domain
    Explanation
    Domain is the most general level of classification in biology. It is a taxonomic rank higher than kingdom and represents the broadest category in the classification system. Domains categorize organisms based on their cellular structure, specifically the presence or absence of a nucleus. There are three domains: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. Each domain contains different types of organisms with distinct characteristics.

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  • 26. 

    Which of the following answers is the newest  taxa in the Linnaean system of classifcation called?

    • Binomial nomenclature

    • Family

    • Phylum

    • Kingdom

    • Variety

    Correct Answer
    A. Variety
    Explanation
    Variety is the newest taxa in the Linnaean system of classification. The Linnaean system organizes living organisms into a hierarchical structure, with variety being the lowest level of classification. It is used to classify organisms within a species that have distinct characteristics but are still able to interbreed. This level of classification is more specific than kingdom, phylum, family, and binomial nomenclature, which are higher levels in the Linnaean system.

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  • 27. 

    Which of the following scientific names is the common amoeba?

    • Taraxacum officinate

    • Chaos chaos

    • Quercus rubra

    • Apis mellifera

    Correct Answer
    A. Chaos chaos
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Chaos chaos because Chaos chaos is the scientific name for the common amoeba. The scientific name of an organism consists of two parts: the genus and the species. In this case, "Chaos" is the genus and "chaos" is the species, making it the correct scientific name for the common amoeba. The other options provided are the scientific names for a dandelion, a red oak tree, and a honey bee, which are not related to the common amoeba.

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  • 28. 

    What do cladograms determine evolutionary relationships between organisms by examining?

    • The degree of difference between organisms

    • The strength of a character

    • Shared ancestral characters

    • Shared derived characters

    Correct Answer
    A. Shared derived characters
    Explanation
    Cladograms determine evolutionary relationships between organisms by examining shared derived characters. These are characteristics that have evolved in a more recent common ancestor and are shared by all its descendants. By analyzing these shared derived characters, scientists can construct a branching diagram that illustrates the evolutionary history and relatedness of different organisms.

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  • 29. 

    The classification level in which classes with similar characteristics are grouped is called a(n)_____.

    • Domain

    • Class

    • Family

    • Phylum

    • Order

    Correct Answer
    A. Phylum
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Phylum. Phylum is a classification level in which classes with similar characteristics are grouped together. It is a higher taxonomic rank below Kingdom and above Class. It helps in organizing and categorizing organisms based on their shared characteristics, allowing for easier study and understanding of biodiversity.

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  • 30. 

    What is the basic biological unit of the Linnaean system called a(n)_____?

    • Class

    • Domain

    • Family

    • Order

    • Species

    • Division

    • Genus

    Correct Answer
    A. Species
    Explanation
    The basic biological unit of the Linnaean system is called a species. In the Linnaean system of classification, species is the most specific category and refers to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. It is the fundamental unit used to classify and categorize living organisms based on their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.

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  • Mar 17, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Dec 01, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    John Mitchell
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