Classification

Which of the following characteristics is used when classifying organisms within the plant kingdom?

• type of vascular tissue

• use of photosynthesis

• presence of cell walls

• production of oxygen

A student noticed that there were five similar structures that extended from the central part of a sea star’s body. What type of symmetry is this?

• radial

• linear

• bilateral

• spherical

Refer to the picture of an ocean jelly to answer the question that follows. A characteristic that causes ocean jellies to be classified into the phylum Cnidaria is the presence of

• a muscular foot.

• stinging cells.

• spines.

• tentacles.

Tuataras are reptiles that are found only in New Zealand. They were originally classified as a type of lizard, but close examination of the tuataras’ skull and body showed them to be quite distinct from lizards. In fact, tuataras are related to a group of reptiles once thought to be long extinct. The following table shows how the tuataras have now been classified compared with other types of reptiles. How did this biological classification table change to accommodate the discovery of the tuatara’s distinctive traits?

• The orders Squamata and Rhynchocephalia swapped places.

• The orders Squamata and Rhynchocephalia were combined.

• The order Rhynchocephalia was created.

• The order Squamata was created.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Look at the pictures below. Which of these does NOT have bilateral symmetry?

• scorpion

• sea anemone

• skate

• turtle

To help it survive, an organism has a capsule, endospore, and pili. To which group does this organism belong?

• bacteria

• mollusk

• insect

• reptile

7. In recent decades, a group of scientists has developed a system of biological classification called PhyloCode. PhyloCode organizes all living things using only their genetic ancestry. This system eliminates the use of the taxonomic levels biologists have used for centuries. What will scientists require to classify a newly discovered organism in this new system?

• the organism’s DNA

• the organism’s parents

• the organism’s offspring

• the organism’s measurements

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

The periodic table changed in the late 1800s when the noble gases were discovered. A new column was added because this new type of element did not belong in any of the other columns. Is this similar to what happens to the taxonomic system used in biology when a new organism is discovered?

• No, all newly discovered organisms are placed in existing taxonomic categories.

• No, all newly discovered organisms are placed in a category based on their year of discovery.

• Yes, when a newly discovered organism is classified, a new kingdom and phylum must be developed for it.

• Yes, when a newly discovered organism does not fit in an existing category, a new category must be developed to classify it.

A taxonomic classification system is a tool that shows relationships among organisms. The system gives scientists a common language and logic that can be used to organize and classify all living things. When organisms are discovered that do not fit within the system, the system is modified to accommodate these new organisms. Which two words BEST describe a taxonomic classification system?

• rigid and formal

• flexible and informal

• formal and flexible

• informal and rigid

The forelimb of the monkey, bat, penguin, and alligator look very different on the outside, but their skeletal structures are similar. This evidence suggests that these animals

• may have evolved from a common ancestor.

• all reproduce in a similar fashion.

• live in similar environments.

• should all be able to fly someday.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2