Zoology 9th Edition by Stephen Miller

Question

Zoology 9th Edition by Stephen Miller

النسخة 9الرقم المعياري الدولي: 978-0073524177

Zoology 9th Edition by Stephen Miller

النسخة 9الرقم المعياري الدولي: 978-0073524177

تمرين 1

Our knowledge of evolutionary processes helps zoologists understand the great diversity of structure and function present in animals. Evolution also helps zoologists understand relationships among animals. These evolutionary relationships are ultimately based on shared DNA, they are reflected in inherited morphological characteristics, and they are represented by groupings in the classification system. The hierarchical nature of the naming system is reflected in groups becoming more inclusive as one moves from species to domain.
Why can taxonomists use similarities in DNA, similarities in morphological characteristics, or both when investigating taxonomic (evolutionary) relationships among animals?

التوضيح

موثّق

Taxonomy is defined as a branch of science that deals with the systematic classification, especially organisms. It is further divided into two types- classic taxonomy and modern taxonomy. Classic taxonomy deals with the classification based on the external appearances of organisms. It is much of a static class of taxonomy. On the other hand, in the case of modern taxonomy, more emphasis is laid on the evolutionary history of the organism. It is more of a dynamic class and relates to the existing phylogenetic relationship between various species.
Morphological taxonomy is the foremost requirement in classifying organisms. Without the classical morphological taxonomy, it isn't easier to segregate organisms without considering their external appearances. Similarly, the organisms can be classified based on their similarities in the genetic makeup existing between them. Both these taxonomical classification systems can be utilized individually and even together.
In case of a discovery of a new species , the prime prerogative is to study their morphology and observe where they fit in accordingly. In the later stages after morphological classification, the genetic makeup is studied as the morphological characteristics and the evolutionary characteristics are ultimately based upon the DNA of the organism. Therefore a classification based on phylogenetic relationships results in a much more closely related group of the organism in a species.
The degree of closeness increases as we move up the taxonomical classification from species to the domain. This is because as we move up the table, the minor differences in the DNA which were earlier considered for classification are overlooked and the organisms are grouped under a broader class.