Question

A species is a(n)__________ type of organism. a. unique b. new c. multicelled d. undiscovered

Short answer

A species is a unique type of organism.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Definition of a Species

A species is defined as a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. It is the basic unit of biological classification and a taxonomic rank.

Analyze the Options

Review the given options: a. unique, b. new, c. multicelled, d. undiscovered. Consider which of these terms best fits the definition of a species.

Evaluate Each Option

- 'Unique' implies being one of a kind, which a species is not, as species consist of multiple individuals. - 'New' suggests something that has recently come into existence, which does not apply to all species. - 'Multicelled' refers to organisms composed of multiple cells, which only describes some species, not all. - 'Undiscovered' implies not yet known, which again does not fit all species.

Determine the Best Choice

Based on the definition of a species, option 'a. unique' best describes a species because each species is distinct in its characteristics compared to other species, thus making it unique.

Key concepts

Biological Classification

Biological classification is like a giant family tree for all living things on Earth. It helps us organize and understand the immense diversity of life by placing organisms into groups based on shared characteristics. This system, also known as taxonomy, allows scientists and students alike to see how creatures relate to one another. The basic units of this system are called taxa (plural for taxon), and they include groups like families, orders, and classes.
One of the primary goals of biological classification is to make communication easier about different types of organisms. By assigning every known organism a scientific name, we avoid the confusion of local names and ensure that everyone is on the same page when talking about a specific organism.
Moreover, classification helps us to understand evolutionary relationships. By examining how organisms are classified, we can trace back their lineage and discover how species evolved over time.

Taxonomic Rank

Taxonomic rank is a critical component of biological classification, serving as the hierarchy in which organisms are organized. Each rank represents a level in the structure of the classification system. This hierarchy typically includes levels such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
At each rank, organisms are grouped with others that share certain characteristics. The rank of 'species' is considered the most specific, representing a group of individuals that can breed and produce fertile offspring. As you move up the hierarchy, the groups become broader and can include a greater diversity of organisms.
For example, humans are classified as follows: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Primates, Family Hominidae, Genus Homo, and Species Homo sapiens. This classification tells us a lot about humans' biological relatives and the features we share with other organisms at each level.

Gene Exchange

Gene exchange is a fascinating concept that explains how genes move between organisms. This can happen within a species through reproduction, where two individuals contribute their genetic material to produce offspring. This process not only perpetuates the species but also introduces genetic variations, which are crucial for evolution.
In addition to reproduction, gene exchange can also occur through methods like horizontal gene transfer, especially in microorganisms. This process allows an organism to acquire new genes from another organism without being its offspring. It can lead to rapid changes, allowing organisms to adapt to new environments or acquire resistance to threats like antibiotics.
Gene exchange is vital because it fuels biodiversity. Without it, species would eventually stagnate, unable to adapt to environmental changes, leading to higher extinction rates. Understanding gene exchange is, therefore, key to studying how life on Earth evolves and thrives over time.