The Taxonomy Ultimate Quiz! Trivia

1.

Who was/were the first people to classify organisms?
- A.
  
  Ancient philosophers, specifically Aristotle
- B.
  
  Charles Darwin
- C.
  
  Carl Linnaeus
- D.
  
  18th century scientists
Correct Answer
A. Ancient pHilosopHers, specifically Aristotle

Explanation
Ancient philosophers, specifically Aristotle, were the first people to classify organisms. Aristotle developed a system of classification based on observable characteristics and organized organisms into groups based on their similarities. His work laid the foundation for future classifications and taxonomies. Charles Darwin, Carl Linnaeus, and 18th-century scientists made significant contributions to the field of biology, but they were not the first to classify organisms.

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2.

Using binomial nomenclature, what would be the correct way of spelling the name of the grizzly bear?
- A.
  
  Ursus Arctos
- B.
  
  Ursus arctos
- C.
  
  Ursus arctos
- D.
  
  UrSuS aRcToS
Correct Answer
C. Ursus arctos

Explanation
In binomial nomenclature, the first name, representing the genus, is capitalized, while the second name, the species, is lowercase. Here, Ursus means bear in Latin, the genus the grizzly bear belongs to, and arctos means brown, as in brown bear.

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3.

A bat and a bee both have wings. What are these two structures?
- A.
  
  Homologous structures
- B.
  
  Derived character
- C.
  
  Vestigial structures
- D.
  
  Analogous structures
Correct Answer
D. Analogous structures

Explanation
Analogous structures are two structures that are very similar but have reached that point of similarity because of the environment, not inheritance. A bat and a bee are not even from the same phylum, yet they both have wings: this is not because their common ancestor had wings, rather because they each evolved to have wings because that characteristic made them more fit. A derived character is a trait that arose in the most recent common ancestor of a particular lineage and was passed along to its descendants. A vestigial structure is a structure which, although has no use to the organism today, still exists because it didn't harm that organism, such as the hipbone of a dolphin (who evolved from land walkers, whose hipbones were legs), or our appendix.

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4.

What type of evidence about an organism is best for a discerning evolutionary relationships?
- A.
  
  External physical characteristics, such as skin color, face shape, and hair.
- B.
  
  Internal body structure, especially bone structure and organs
- C.
  
  Location on earth
- D.
  
  DNA
Correct Answer
D. DNA

Explanation
Since DNA is the basic genetic information for every living being, it tells us most about our true nature and relationship with other beings.

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5.

What is the correct heirarchy of classification?
- A.
  
  Kingdom, domain, phylum, class, family, order, genus, species
- B.
  
  Domain, kingdom, genus, order, class, family, phylum, species
- C.
  
  Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species
- D.
  
  Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, family, order, genus, species
Correct Answer
C. Domain, kingdom, pHylum, class, order, family, genus, species

Explanation
Don't kill petite clowns or frantically grab slugs.

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6.

The taxonomic system is rigid and will always remain the same
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Scientists are constantly learning new things about organisms: as they do, the taxonomic classification shifts around and changes. Although obviously animals evolved a certain specific way, our understanding of it is incomplete, and therefore our taxonomic system changes all the time. Example: 30 years ago, there were only 3 kingdoms: Plants, Animals, and Squiggly Things. Today there are five (or six).

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7.

What criteria do taxonomists use in categorizing organisms?
- A.
  
  Reproductive Behavior
- B.
  
  Geographic Location
- C.
  
  Biochemistry
- D.
  
  Size
- E.
  
  Intelligence
- F.
  
  Anatomical Structure
- G.
  
  Behavior
- H.
  
  Motivation
- I.
  
  DNA
- J.
  
  Embryological Development
Correct Answer(s)
A. Reproductive Behavior
C. Biochemistry
F. Anatomical Structure
G. Behavior
I. DNA
J. Embryological Development

Explanation
Taxonomists use several criteria to categorize organisms. Reproductive behavior is one such criterion, as it helps determine the similarities and differences in how organisms reproduce. Biochemistry is another important factor, as it involves studying the chemical composition and processes within organisms. Anatomical structure is also crucial, as it involves comparing the physical characteristics and body structures of different organisms. Behavior is considered as it helps identify patterns and traits in how organisms act. DNA is used for genetic comparisons, while embryological development helps understand the developmental stages of organisms. These criteria collectively provide taxonomists with a comprehensive understanding of the relationships and classifications of organisms.

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8.

What phylum to hydra and jellyfish belong to?
- A.
  
  Cnidaria (Coelenterata)
- B.
  
  Annelida (Segmented Worms)
- C.
  
  Arthropods
- D.
  
  Chordata
Correct Answer
A. Cnidaria (Coelenterata)

Explanation
Cnidaria (Coelenterata) are aquatic, soft-bodied, carnivorous animals who have stinging tentacles and are highly symmetrical. They have no internal circulation system and diffusion happens through their body cells.

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The Taxonomy Ultimate Quiz! Trivia

Who was/were the first people to classify organisms?

Using binomial nomenclature, what would be the correct way of spelling the name of the grizzly bear?

A bat and a bee both have wings. What are these two structures?

What type of evidence about an organism is best for a discerning evolutionary relationships?

What is the correct heirarchy of classification?

The taxonomic system is rigid and will always remain the same

What criteria do taxonomists use in categorizing organisms?

What phylum to hydra and jellyfish belong to?