Science Quiz

What is Classification?

The process of organizing living things into groups based on their similarities and differences.

How many types of living things are there on Earth?

Scientists estimate there are around 8.7 million species, although the exact number is unknown.

Why do scientists classify organisms?

To organize biodiversity, identify organisms, understand relationships and communicate clearly.

How do scientists communicate about organisms worldwide?

They use scientific names, which are universal and avoid confusion caused by different common names.

What is a characteristic?

A feature or trait of an organism, such as having wings, fur or scales.

What is a dichotomous key?

A tool used to identify organisms by choosing between two contrasting statements at each step.

What does 'dichotomous' mean?

Divided into two parts.

What is the classification order?

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

What happens as you move from kingdom to species?

Organisms share more characteristics and become more closely related.

What is binomial nomenclature?

The scientific naming system that gives each organism a two-part name: genus and species.

How is a scientific name written?

Genus starts with a capital letter, species starts with a lowercase letter, and both are italicized. Example: Homo sapiens.

Why does classification change over time?

New discoveries, technology and DNA evidence help scientists understand relationships more accurately.

What is an ecosystem?

A community of living organisms interacting with each other and their non-living environment.

What is a habitat?

The natural place where an organism lives.