AP Biology : Use the taxonomic classification system

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Use The Taxonomic Classification System

What is true about the theory of gradualism?

Possible Answers:

It stands in opposition to the theory of punctuated equilibrium

All of these

Change is uniform

Change is slow and gradual

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Gradualism is a theory of evolutionary biology that stands in contrast to the theory of punctuated equilibrium. In this theory, change (or evolution) is slow, gradual, and uniform. Adaptation occurs over a long period of time and is observed in small changes. 

Example Question #12 : Use The Taxonomic Classification System

Which of the following best describes the difficulties associated with the study of phylogenetics?

Possible Answers:

Horizontal gene transfer and hybridization

Hybridization

Horizontal gene transfer

Neither horizontal gene transfer nor hybridization

Correct answer:

Horizontal gene transfer and hybridization

Explanation:

Phylogenetics has several difficulties that complicate the development of accurate phylogenetic trees. Relationships between organisms on a genetic level are incredibly complicated, making it difficult for scientist to create clean and precise phylogenetic trees. These difficulties include hybridization, horizontal gene transfer, and convergent evolution.

Example Question #13 : Use The Taxonomic Classification System

Fungi belong to the __________ of __________.

Possible Answers:

domain . . . eukarya

kingdom . . . eukarya

kingdom . . . bacteria

domain . . . bacteria

class . . . archaea

Correct answer:

domain . . . eukarya

Explanation:

There are 3 domains in which all organisms are classified - Eukarya, Bacteria, and Archaea. Fungi is the name of one the kingdom classifications. The order for the classification is as follows: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species. Therefore, Fungi falls under the Domain of Eukarya.

Example Question #14 : Use The Taxonomic Classification System

Which is not one of the three domains?

Possible Answers:

prokarya

archaea

eukarya

bacteria

Correct answer:

prokarya

Explanation:

Domain is the broadest taxonomic category, and includes bacteria, archaea, and eukarya; all living organisms can be classified into one of these three domains.

Example Question #15 : Use The Taxonomic Classification System

From most broad to specific, how are organisms classified?

Possible Answers:

Domain-> Kingdom-> Phylum-> Class-> Order-> Family-> Genus-> Species

Order> Kingdom-> Phylum-> Domain> Class> Genus> Family> Species

Kingdom> Domain> Class> Phylum> Order-> Family-> Genus-> Species

Domain-> Phylum> Kingdom> Class-> Order-> Family-> Genus-> Species

Correct answer:

Domain-> Kingdom-> Phylum-> Class-> Order-> Family-> Genus-> Species

Explanation:

There are eight taxonomic categories, with domain most inclusive and each subsequent category becoming more specific.

Example Question #16 : Use The Taxonomic Classification System

Which is a species?

Possible Answers:

Eukarya

Arthropoda

Felis catus

Protista

Correct answer:

Felis catus

Explanation:

Arthropoda is a phylum, eukarya is a domain, and protista is a kingdom. There are eight taxonomic categories (Domain-> Kingdom-> Phylum-> Class-> Order-> Family-> Genus-> Species) with domain being most inclusive and each subsequent category becoming more specific.

Example Question #17 : Use The Taxonomic Classification System

Which is not one of the kingdoms?

Possible Answers:

fungi

protista

plantae

bacteria

Correct answer:

bacteria

Explanation:

There are eight taxonomic categories (Domain-> Kingdom-> Phylum-> Class-> Order-> Family-> Genus-> Species) with domain being most inclusive and each subsequent category becoming more specific. Bacteria are not a kingdom; bacteria are one of the three domains. Kingdom includes fungi, prokaryotes, protista, plantae, and animalia.

Example Question #18 : Use The Taxonomic Classification System

Which is a characteristic unique to the domain eukarya?

Possible Answers:

Membrane bound organelles

No histones

Cell walls contain peptidoglycan

No organelles

Correct answer:

Membrane bound organelles

Explanation:

The three domains include bacteria, eukarya, and archaea. Eukarya contain membrane bound organelles, have histones (which are proteins in chromatin), and cell walls do not contain peptidoglycan.

Example Question #19 : Use The Taxonomic Classification System

Which is a characteristic of the kingdom animalia?

Possible Answers:

Prokaryotic cells

Unicellular

Autotrophic

Heterotrophic

Correct answer:

Heterotrophic

Explanation:

Organisms within the kingdom animalia have eukaryotic cells, are multicellular, and are heterotrophic (receives its nutrition through consuming other organisms). 

 

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