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Taxonomy
This branch of biology focuses on classifying living things.
Taxonomic levels
Domain, Eukarya, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
Binomial Nomenclature
2 terms used to denote the species:
the first term indicates the genus
the second term indicates the specific species
Dichotomous key
A tool used to identify a species (A3.1.2) based on observable traits.
Variation
Differences between members of a group. Can be discrete or continuous.
Discrete variation
Traits that can be put into distinct qualitative categories. This is usually influenced by only one or a few genes. They can also be influenced by environment, although usually not significantly. (ex:Hand used for writing (left or right))
Continuous variation
Traits that vary along a quantitative continuum. (most types of biological variation is this type). This is the result from complex interaction between many different genes (“polygenic”), often with the environment playing a significant part in the expression of the phenotype. (ex:Height (wide range of values, eg 1.69m))
Intraspecies variation
Variation within a species. (obv)
Intraspecies genetic variation can be from:
Mutation, gene flow, meiosis, sexual reproduction
Natural selection is…
…the main force that drives evolution
Differential survival and reproduction is…
…a part of natural selection.
Discrete quantitative data
a finite value that can be counted
Continuous quantitative data
an infinite number of possible values can be measured
Gene flow
the spatial movement of genes, typically through seed and pollen dispersal, either within a population or between separated stands
Meiosis
a type of cell division during which a single cell divides twice and produces four daughter cells
