BioLab3 Taxonomy Lab Report

BioLab3

Taxonomy Lab Report

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The lab report is unique each semester and checks have been put into place to ensure students are doing their own work. Copying from other students or from outside sources will result in a zero on the accompanying lab quiz.

Important: To complete this lab report, download and refer to the Taxonomy Printable Document found at the bottom of the first page of the Taxonomy Lab with Lab Reports.

1. Unity

1. What three purposes does taxonomy serve?

1. Define each of the following levels of organization and rank them from smallest to most inclusive:

subatomic particles

population

molecule

organelles

organ system

atom

1. Diversity and Classification

A: Linnaean Classification

1. What is taxonomy?

1. Refer to the Taxonomy Printable Document and to Lab, Section II, Exercise 1. Identify the phylum of each of the following specimens:

Earthworm

Starfish

Moss

B: Cladistics

1. Complete the table below using information from Lab, Table 3 in the Taxonomy Printable Document in your lab for Section III, Exercise 2. All specimens are autotropic. Determine the outgroup using the following characters: vascular system (having xylem & phloem), reproduces with seeds, bears fruit and flowers. Refer to Lab, Table 4 in the printed document as an example and indicate characteristics as present (+) or absent (–).

1. Complete a cladogram illustrating the phylogenetic relationships of the organisms in the table above.

Sphagnum moss

Vasculature

• Based on the cladogram you constructed, which plant group evolved first? Which evolved last?

• Which groups reproduce by seeds?

1. Dichotomous Identification Keys

1. What is the purpose of a dichotomous key?

1. Refer to Exercise 3 in the Taxonomy Printable Document to complete the table below:

1. Go to Lab, Section III, Exercise 4. Study the example in the printed document for how to produce a footwear dichotomous key. Then, refer to the images presented to complete the exercises below and create a dichotomous key for a group of students. Record the student data provided in Exercise 3 in the table below.

1. Using the student data from the table above, construct a key of the students’ information in the table below.

1. Binomial Nomenclature

1. Draw and label five leaf shapes or arrangements used to identify plants. Sign, date and prepare an image of your drawing and include it with this lab report.

1. Based on the Taxonomy Printable Document and images found in the Lab, Section IV, Exercise 5, provide the scientific and common names for the following trees:

• Tree specimen 4 (slide 19)

• Tree specimen 6 (slide 21)

Summary Questions

1. Explain how living organisms are alike or have unity.

1. Explain why the diversity of living organisms makes a system of classification useful.

1. What is the difference between traditional (Linnaean) classification and phylogenetics?

1. Explain how a cladogram is organized.

1. What is binomial nomenclature?

1. List the levels of biological organization.

1. List the levels of Linnaean classification from most specific to most inclusive.

1. What are derived characters?

1. How are dichotomous keys organized?

SP23

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