In an ecosystem, organisms can be classified into different groups depending on the CRITERION used. Which statement is TRUE?
AClassification has only one method
BThe same organism can fit into different groups depending on the criterion used (e.g., a bat is mammal, nocturnal, flying — three different criteria, three different groups)
COnly animals can be classified
DEach organism fits into only one group regardless of criterion
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. The same organism can fit into different groups depending on the criterion used (e.g., a bat is mammal, nocturnal, flying — three different criteria, three different groups)
Classification depends on the chosen criterion. A bat can be grouped by reproduction (mammal), activity time (nocturnal), or locomotion (flying) — each gives a different category, all biologically meaningful. So organisms exist in multiple overlapping classification systems. Modern biology favours evolutionary (phylogenetic) classification, but functional groupings (e.g. carnivore, herbivore) are still useful.
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