Scientific_Taxonomy_and_Earth’S_Biodiversity

Scientific Taxonomy1 Scientific Taxonomy and Earth’s Biodiversity Dale M. Morvaji Axia College of University of Phoenix July 25, 2010 BIO/100 Ms. Victoria Spearman Scientific Taxonomy2 Scientific Taxonomy is defined as the classification of organisms in an ordered system that indicated natural relationships. The following discusses, compares, and contrasts the relationships between 4 groups in 4 separate categories. They are as follows: * Mammals-The Cheetah, a spotted, cat like mammal capable of speeds up to 71 MPH and the Giant Panda, A large bear best known for its black and white coloring. * Insects-The American Cockroach, a reddish-brown, winged insect roughly just over 1”-2” in size and the Subterranean Termite best known for their biting mouthparts and destructive abilities. * Birds-The Bald Eagle, a majestic bird known for their white heads and white tails and Cooper’s Hawk, a medium sized bird with a long, lean body. * Echinoderms-Crown of Thorns Starfish, red in color and protected by thorn-like spines and the Forbes’ Sea Star which is tan, brown or olive colored covered in small spines. Some of the characteristics that classify the above mentioned creatures include the need for oxygen in order to sustain life. Although methods of in taking this oxygen differ, the requirement still remains. Another characteristic is the need for nourishment, a food source of some kind to promote growth and continued life. The two mammals I am discussing, the Cheetah and the Giant Panda have multiple similarities that make each uniquely the same as well as quite different at the same time. Two similarities include the ability to reproduce offspring. Both the Cheetah and the Giant Panda possess reproductive organs that allow the females of both species to give birth to “cubs”. Although the main source of food for the Giant Panda is mainly bamboo stalks, both will “feed on other mammals.” The differences between the Cheetah and Giant Panda are noticeable in the speed of these magnificent mammals. The Cheetah “is the fastest terrestrial Scientific Taxonomy3 mammal with a speed range up to 71 mph.” while the Giant Panda is a much slower, lumbering creature. Both are classified as Carnivores due to their diverse eating habits including eating meat. Other mammals classified in this order include dogs and cats. The American Cockroach and the Sub-Terrarium Termite share similarities such as their need to “generally live in moist areas.” Both are extremely harmful to human inhabitant. The American Cockroach due to its disease carrying effects and the Sub-Terrarium Termite due to its destructive abilities. The differences include the American Cockroach’s ability to survive above ground and the Termite’s need for survival being all underground, out of the effects of the sun’s ultra violet light. American Cockroach’s “will eat anything, including one another” while the Sub-Terrarium Termite needs a cellulose or wood product in order to survive. Termites are classified as insects in the Isoptera order due to the equal length of their wings. Other Isoptera’s include the Fermossan Termite, a much larger and destructive termite. The American Cockroach is also an insect but listed in the Blattaria order. This is due to their flattened body and long antennae. The German Cockroach and the Asian Cockroach are also is also in the Blattaris order. In the bird family, the Bald Eagle and Copper’s Hawk share multiple similarities. One similarity is the geographical region most commonly associated with, and found in, North America. Another similarity is the bird’s source for food. Both will prey on “small mammals such as rabbits.” One difference between the Bald Eagle and Copper’s Hawk is the amount of offspring produced; the Bald Eagle will lay 1-3 eggs while the Cooper’s Hawk will lay 3-6. The male and female Bald Eagle “will share in the duties during incubation” while the Copper’s Hawk male will mainly provide the food during incubation. Both birds are classified in the Falconiforms order due to being birds of prey. Other Fallconiforms include the New World Vultures and Condors. Scientific Taxonomy4 The Crown of Thorns Starfish and the Forbes Starfish are known as Echinoderms. The similarities between the two are their underwater environment. Both live, breath, and eat underwater and both utilize breathing methods, not from gills, but instead from “tubes” located on the underneath of their bodies that “suck in water and channel it to canals that run through the body.” One difference between the two is the dangerous spines located on the Crown of Thorns Starfish. These spines are extremely dangerous to humans and will sting, “inflicting great pain that can last up to hours.” Another difference is the negative effects the Crown of Thorns Starfish has on our eco system that the Forbes Starfish does not have. The Crown of Thorns Starfish are considered one of the most “damaging creatures among coral reefs,” destroying the coral. The Forbes Starfish is part of the Forcipulatida order due to the skeletal framework that surrounds the mouth. Other Forcipulatida’s are Sea Stars and the Blue Starfish. The Crown of Thorns starfish is in the Spinulosida order. Some others in this order are the Royal Sea Star and the Lined Sea Star. As we have found out, the species discussed allow for multiple similarities within each other that allow for sustained life yet all are just different enough to examine the nature of how they exist. References Bies, L.(2002.), Ailuropoda melanoleuca http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Ailuropoda_melanoleuca.html Chau, K.(2000), Asterias forbesi http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Asterias_forbesi.html Harris, M.(2002), Haliaeetus leucocephalus http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Haliaeetus_leucocephalus.html Mulheisen, M. and N. Knibbe.(2001). Acinonyx jubatus http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Acinonyx_jubatus.html Stetson, B.,(2001), Periplaneta Americana http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Periplaneta_americana.html