Living Organisms Trivia: MCQ Quiz!
-
Approximately how many living organisms have been identified on the planet?
-
1.5 million
-
2.0 million
-
2.5 million
-
3.0 million
-
An organism refers to a living thing with an organized structure, can react to stimuli, reproduce, grow and adapt. These organisms may be classified as multicellular animals, plants, and fungi; or unicellular microorganisms. Take this quiz to test your knowledge about living organisms.
Quiz Preview
- 2.
The process of grouping things based on their similarities (shared characteristics) is called
-
Taxidermy
-
Taxonomy
-
Pachidermy
-
Taxis
Correct Answer
A. TaxonomyExplanation
Taxonomy is the correct answer because it refers to the process of categorizing or grouping things based on their shared characteristics or similarities. It involves classifying and organizing organisms or objects into different hierarchical levels, such as kingdoms, phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species. Taxonomy helps in understanding the relationships between different organisms or objects and provides a systematic way to study and identify them.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
The first person to have created a classification system for living organisms was
-
Carolus Linneaus
-
Leonardo Da Vinci
-
Pliny the Elder
-
Aristotle
Correct Answer
A. AristotleExplanation
Aristotle is considered the first person to have created a classification system for living organisms. He classified organisms based on their characteristics and grouped them into different categories. His system was based on the idea of a hierarchical structure, where organisms were classified into broader groups and then further divided into more specific categories. Although his system was not as detailed or comprehensive as later systems, Aristotle's classification laid the foundation for the development of taxonomy and the understanding of the diversity of life on Earth.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
The correct term for a "two-part naming system" is
-
Taxonomy
-
Binomial nomenclature
-
Genus and species
-
Latinized words
Correct Answer
A. Binomial nomenclatureExplanation
Binomial nomenclature is the correct term for a "two-part naming system" because it is a system of naming organisms in which each organism is given a unique scientific name consisting of two parts: the genus and species. This system was developed by Carl Linnaeus and is widely used in the field of taxonomy to provide a standardized and universally recognized way of naming and classifying organisms. The use of Latinized words is also a characteristic of binomial nomenclature, as scientific names are often derived from Latin or Greek roots.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Which of the following is the correct scientific name for a house cat?
-
Felis domesticus
-
Felis Domesticus
-
Felis Domesticus
-
Felis domesticus
Correct Answer
A. Felis domesticusExplanation
The correct scientific name for a house cat is Felis domesticus. In scientific nomenclature, the genus name (Felis) is always capitalized and the species name (domesticus) is always lowercase. This naming convention helps to categorize and classify different species accurately.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
The scientific name for a muskox (a very hairy buffalo-looking creature from the high Arctic) is Ovibos moschatus. The genus is which part of the name?
-
Ovibos
-
Moschatus
-
Both
-
Neither
Correct Answer
A. OvibosExplanation
The scientific name for a muskox consists of two parts: the genus and the species. In this case, "Ovibos" is the genus of the muskox. The genus is the broader category that groups together closely related species. So, the correct answer is "Ovibos."Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Which of the following people gave us the classification system that we still use today?
-
Carolus Linneaus
-
Leonardo Da Vinci
-
Pliny the Elder
-
Aristotle
Correct Answer
A. Carolus LinneausExplanation
Carolus Linnaeus is credited with giving us the classification system that we still use today. He developed the system of binomial nomenclature, which assigns each organism a unique two-part name consisting of its genus and species. Linnaeus's system revolutionized the way we classify and organize living organisms, providing a standardized and universally recognized method for naming and categorizing species. His work laid the foundation for modern taxonomy and continues to be used by scientists around the world.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
Which part of a scientific name can be descriptive (color, where it is found, etc)?
-
The genus
-
The species
-
They both can
-
Neither - scientists aren't supposed to do that!
Correct Answer
A. The speciesExplanation
The species part of a scientific name can be descriptive as it provides specific information about the organism, such as its characteristics, habitat, or location. The genus, on the other hand, is a broader classification that groups similar species together. Therefore, it is the species part that allows scientists to include descriptive details in a scientific name.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
With the earliest classification system organisms were classified into which of the following groups?
-
If they flew or not
-
If they flew or were in water
-
If they flew or were in water or were on land
-
If they flew or were in water or were in land (walk, run, or crawl)
Correct Answer
A. If they flew or were in water or were in land (walk, run, or crawl)Explanation
The earliest classification system classified organisms based on whether they flew, were in water, or were on land (walk, run, or crawl). This classification system grouped organisms into three main categories based on their mode of locomotion, which were flying, swimming, or terrestrial movement. This classification system recognized that organisms could have different adaptations for movement and categorized them accordingly.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
What is the current record of the Buffalo Sabres?
-
7-3-1
-
3-7-2
-
7-2-3
-
3-2-7
Correct Answer
A. 3-7-2Explanation
The current record of the Buffalo Sabres is 3-7-2. This means that they have won 3 games, lost 7 games, and tied 2 games. This record indicates that the team has struggled so far in the season, as they have more losses than wins and ties combined.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
The correct sequence for the seven levels of classification is
-
Kingdom Phylum Order Class Family Genus Species
-
Kingdom Phylum Family Class Order Genus Species
-
Kingdom Class Family Phylum Order Genus Species
-
Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
Correct Answer
A. Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus SpeciesExplanation
The correct sequence for the seven levels of classification is Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species. This sequence represents the hierarchical structure of taxonomy, where each level represents a different level of classification. Starting with the broadest category, Kingdom, and moving down to the most specific category, Species, this sequence allows scientists to categorize and classify organisms based on their shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
Which level of Classification is the most general (or most broad) category?
-
Kingdom
-
Genus
-
Phylum
-
Order
Correct Answer
A. KingdomExplanation
The most general or broadest level of classification is the Kingdom. It is the highest taxonomic rank in the biological classification system. Kingdoms group organisms based on their basic characteristics and fundamental differences. There are five main kingdoms: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, and Monera. Each kingdom encompasses a wide range of organisms with similar characteristics and serves as the starting point for further classification into more specific categories such as phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
A bear is classified as the following: Animalia, Chordata, Mammalia, Carnivora, Ursidae, Ursus, americanus. Which one is the Order?
-
Ursidae
-
Carnivora
-
Chordata
-
Americanus
Correct Answer
A. CarnivoraExplanation
Carnivora is the correct answer because it is the order to which bears belong. The classification hierarchy starts with the broadest category, Animalia, and narrows down to the most specific category, americanus, which refers to a specific species of bear. In between these categories, Carnivora comes after Mammalia and before Ursidae, indicating that it is the order to which bears belong.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
Which of the following is the correct scientific name for a red-backed vole?
-
Canis latrans
-
Microtus pennsylvanicus
-
Somateria fischeri
-
Clethrionomys rutilus
Correct Answer
A. Clethrionomys rutilusExplanation
The correct scientific name for a red-backed vole is Clethrionomys rutilus.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
In a classification system, organisms are classified based on:
-
Similar behaviors
-
Similar morphology
-
Similar ancestry
-
All of the above
Correct Answer
A. All of the aboveExplanation
Organisms are classified based on all of the above factors. Similar behaviors, such as feeding habits or mating rituals, can indicate a common classification. Similar morphology, referring to physical characteristics and structures, can also be used to group organisms together. Additionally, similar ancestry or evolutionary history plays a crucial role in classification, as organisms with a shared genetic heritage are likely to be grouped together. Therefore, all three factors - behaviors, morphology, and ancestry - are considered when classifying organisms.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Apr 11, 2025 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Apr 11, 2025Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Mar 05, 2021Quiz Created by
Alfredhook3
Back to top