Chapter 1

What is the biological definition of a species?

A group of interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other such populations.

What does “reproductive isolation” mean?

When members of different species cannot interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Name three barriers that can cause reproductive isolation.

Geographical, behavioural, and temporal barriers.

What is Linnaean taxonomy?

A hierarchical system of classification that groups organisms based on shared characteristics.

List the main taxonomic levels in order.

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

What is the purpose of classification systems?

To organise biodiversity and show evolutionary relationships between organisms.