1. Why are classification systems useful? What are two characteristics of a good classification system? 2. What advantage is there for two scientists on opposite sides of the world to use a single name for a particular organism? 3. Give an example of a system you use to classify objects or people around you.
15-2 Biological Classification
1. Why is the system of binomial nomenclature a good way to name organisms? 2. What is the smallest taxon? What is the largest taxon? Which of these taxa is the most specific? 3. Two groups of organisms are in different genera but they are included in the same family. What does this information tell you about the two groups?
15-3 Taxonomy Today
1. Which taxon has a clear biological identity? Explain your answer. 2. Why did evolutionary theory prove important in taxonomy? 3. How can a study of biochemistry help taxonomists?
15-4 The Six-Kingdom System
1. Why did the six-kingdom system of classification become widely used? 2. Why are the fungi placed in a separate kingdom? 3. A single-celled organism could be placed in the Eubacteria, the Archaebacteria, or the Protista kingdom. What factor would be the most significant for determining into which kingdom this organism should be placed?