Chapter 17, Problem 5A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Linnaeus’s system of classification was the first formal system of taxonomic organization. His method of naming organisms is called binomial nomenclature. Taxonomy is study of identifying, naming and classifying species based on natural relationships. Systematics is the study of biological diversity with an emphasis on evolutionary history.

Answer to Problem 5A

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option D. blue whale

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option D. blue whale −The blue whale is the most distant relative to the other animals. According to the given chart on classification of selected animals, all the given animals belong to the same class, Mammalia. Only blue whale belongs to the order Cetacea and other animals (domestic cat, coyote and wolf) belong to the order Carnivora. So these animals are close relatives to each other and blue whale is distant relative to others.

Hence this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option A. wolf −The wolf is distant relative to only blue whale but it is close relative to domestic cat and coyote as they belong to the same order Cetacea. Hence this is not the correct option.

Option B. coyote- The coyote is distant relative to only blue whale but it is close relative to domestic cat and wolf as they belong to the same order Cetacea. Hence this is not the correct option.

Option C. domestic cat − The domestic cat is distant relative to only blue whale but it is close relative to wolf and coyote as they belong to the same order Cetacea. Hence this is not the correct option.