Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
According to the biological definition, what is a 'species'?
Answer
A group of organisms that can interbreed among themselves to produce fertile young ones.
Question
The method of naming an organism using a two-part scientific name is called _____.
Answer
Binomial nomenclature
Question
Who was the scientist responsible for introducing the binomial system of naming organisms?
Answer
Linnaeus
Question
List the seven main categories of biological classification in order from highest to lowest.
Answer
Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
Question
In the scientific name $\textit{Homo sapiens}$, what does the first word represent?
Answer
The Genus.
Question
Identify the two primary rules for writing scientific names by hand.
Answer
The Genus and species names must be underlined separately.
Question
Under the Five Kingdom classification, which kingdom contains unicellular and prokaryotic organisms?
Answer
Kingdom Monera
Question
What is the defining nuclear characteristic of organisms in Kingdom Monera?
Answer
They have no organised nucleus.
Question
Name a single-celled eukaryotic organism that contains chloroplasts like plants but possesses a cell-mouth like animals.
Answer
$\textit{Euglena}$
Question
Kingdom Fungi is characterised by organisms that are eukaryotic, multicellular, and _____.
Answer
Achlorophyllous (or saprophytic).
Question
What are the thread-like structures that make up the body of most fungi called?
Answer
Hyphae
Question
Identify the five major divisions within Kingdom Plantae.
Answer
Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms.
Question
How do organisms in Kingdom Animalia typically obtain their food?
Answer
By eating or sucking (heterotrophic nutrition).
Question
What is the primary physical difference between Invertebrates and Vertebrates?
Answer
Vertebrates possess a backbone (vertebral column), while Invertebrates do not.
Question
Contrast the position of the heart in Invertebrates versus Vertebrates.
Answer
Invertebrates have a dorsal heart (if present), while Vertebrates have a ventral heart.
Question
Where is the nerve cord located in a vertebrate body?
Answer
On the dorsal side.
Question
State the location of haemoglobin in the blood of vertebrates.
Answer
Contained within red blood cells.
Question
Which invertebrate phylum is characterised by organisms with 'pore-bearing' bodies?
Answer
Phylum Porifera
Question
In sponges, what is the function of the 'ostia'?
Answer
They serve as pores for the entry of water into the body.
Question
Identify the large exit opening at the top of a sponge's body.
Answer
Osculum
Question
Name the single internal cavity where digestion takes place in Phylum Cnidaria.
Answer
Coelenteron
Question
Which structures do cnidarians use to catch food organisms?
Answer
Tentacles
Question
What is the common name for organisms belonging to Phylum Platyhelminthes?
Answer
Flatworms
Question
How many openings does the alimentary canal of a flatworm typically have?
Answer
One (serving as both mouth and anus).
Question
Phylum Nematoda consists of organisms commonly known as _____.
Answer
Roundworms
Question
Contrast the alimentary canal of a roundworm with that of a flatworm.
Answer
Roundworms have two openings (mouth and anus), whereas flatworms have only one.
Question
What is the distinguishing physical feature of Phylum Annelida?
Answer
The body is divided into ring-like segments.
Question
Define the term 'coelom' as it applies to annelids.
Answer
A true body cavity.
Question
In the earthworm $\textit{Pheretima posthuma}$, which segments form the glandular clitellum?
Answer
Segments 14 to 16.
Question
Why are earthworms considered highly useful in agriculture?
Answer
They loosen and aerate the soil while increasing fertility through nitrogenous excreta.
Question
Which phylum contains the largest number of species in the animal kingdom?
Answer
Phylum Arthropoda
Question
What material constitutes the exoskeleton of an arthropod?
Answer
Chitin
Question
The process of casting off and regrowing an exoskeleton in arthropods is called _____.
Answer
Moulting
Question
Identify the three distinct body regions of an insect.
Answer
Head, thorax, and abdomen.
Question
How many pairs of jointed legs are characteristic of Class Insecta?
Answer
Three pairs.
Question
How do members of Class Arachnida differ from Class Insecta regarding wings and antennae?
Answer
Arachnids lack both wings and antennae.
Question
What is the typical number of jointed legs found in spiders and scorpions?
Answer
Four pairs.
Question
Describe the primary body protection found in most members of Phylum Mollusca.
Answer
A hard, calcareous shell.
Question
Which organ do molluscs like snails use for locomotion?
Answer
A muscular foot.
Question
What type of symmetry is exhibited by adult organisms in Phylum Echinodermata?
Answer
Radial symmetry.
Question
Name the specialized structures used by starfish for locomotion.
Answer
Tube-feet
Question
What is the defining rod-like structure present in all chordates at some stage of life?
Answer
Notochord
Question
In most vertebrates, what structure replaces the embryonic notochord?
Answer
A backbone (vertebral column).
Question
How many chambers are found in the heart of a fish (Class Pisces)?
Answer
Two chambers.
Question
Define 'poikilothermal' organisms.
Answer
Animals whose body temperature fluctuates directly with the environment (cold-blooded).
Question
Contrast cartilaginous fish with bony fish regarding their gill covers.
Answer
Bony fish have gills covered by an operculum, while cartilaginous fish have exposed gill-slits.
Question
Identify the respiratory organs used by adult amphibians on land.
Answer
Lungs
Question
How many chambers are present in an amphibian heart?
Answer
Three chambers (two auricles and one ventricle).
Question
Describe the skin characteristic of Class Reptilia.
Answer
Rough, dry skin with horny scales.
Question
What is unique about the ventricle in a reptile's heart?
Answer
It is partially divided.
Question
Which vertebrate class is characterised by an exoskeleton of feathers?
Answer
Class Aves (Birds)
Question
Define 'homeothermal' organisms.
Answer
Animals that maintain a constant body temperature regardless of the environment (warm-blooded).
Question
Identify the unique breathing organ adaptation in birds for flight.
Answer
Lungs with air sacs.
Question
Name the milk-producing glands used by mammals to nourish their young.
Answer
Mammary glands
Question
What is the muscular structure that separates the thorax and abdomen in mammals?
Answer
Diaphragm
Question
Which external ear structure is exclusive to mammals?
Answer
Pinnae
Question
Most mammals give birth to live young. What is the term for this?
Answer
Viviparous
Question
Name an exception to the rule that mammals are viviparous.
Answer
Duck-billed platypus (or Spiny ant-eater).
Question
What type of symmetry is defined by the body being divisible into two similar halves along only one plane?
Answer
Bilateral symmetry
Question
An organism like an $\textit{Amoeba}$ that cannot be divided into two equal halves has _____.
Answer
Asymmetry