Theory question 101
Characteristics and Classification of Living Things(a)(i) What is classification of living things? (ii) Name the scientist that developed the Binomial system of classification. (iii) State three reasons why it is necessary to classify living things. (iv) List seven major groups into which Taxonomists classify living things in order of hierarchy. (b) State two features each which viruses have in common with: (i) living things; (ii) non-living things. (c) Name two viral diseases each of: (i) plants; (ii) humans.
Show the model answer
(a)(i) Classification is the arranging of living things into groups based on the features they share.
(ii) Carolus (Carl) Linnaeus.
(iii) Any three: makes study and identification easier; brings order to the huge number of organisms; shows relationships between groups; shows evolutionary trends; gives each organism a unique name understood everywhere; aids reference and research.
(iv) Kingdom → Phylum (Division) → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species.
(b)(i) Any two: contain nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) as genetic material; reproduce (inside host cells); can mutate; show heredity.
(ii) Any two: can be crystallised; have no cell structure, cytoplasm or organelles; do not feed, respire or excrete; inactive outside a living cell.
(c)(i) Any two: cassava mosaic; maize streak; tobacco mosaic; groundnut rosette; cocoa swollen shoot.
(ii) Any two: HIV/AIDS; measles; polio; smallpox; influenza; yellow fever; hepatitis; chickenpox; mumps; COVID-19; Ebola.
Learn the seven ranks in order: Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.