Which term refers to a species that no longer has any living members
Extinct species.
What is the modern classification system based on
The modern classification system is based on evolutionary relationships between organisms. It groups organisms into taxonomic ranks based on shared ancestry and genetic similarities. The fundamental unit of classification is the species, which is defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Higher taxonomic ranks include genera, families, orders, classes, phyla, kingdoms, and domains, which group together related species based on progressively broader similarities in characteristics and ancestry. This system is known as the Linnaean classification system, named after the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus who first formalized it in the 18th century.
The term that refers to a species that no longer has any living members is "extinct."
To determine if a species is extinct, scientists rely on several methods and pieces of evidence. Here's how they do it:
1. Historical records: Scientists examine historical records, such as written accounts, paintings, and photographs, to find evidence of the species. If there are no recent records or sightings, it suggests that the species may no longer exist.
2. Field surveys: Scientists conduct field surveys in areas where the species was last known to live. These surveys involve searching for any signs of the species, such as tracks, nests, or droppings. If no evidence is found after repeated searches, it indicates that the species may be extinct.
3. Genetic analysis: Scientists can use genetic analysis to identify extinct species. They compare the DNA of specimens collected in the past to the DNA of related living species. If there are no living individuals with similar DNA, it suggests that the species is extinct.
4. Fossil records: Fossils provide crucial evidence for determining extinct species. Scientists search for fossilized remains of extinct species in sediment layers. If fossils of the species are found in older geological strata but are absent in more recent layers, it indicates that the species went extinct.
5. Conservation status: Conservation organizations and international bodies maintain lists of species' conservation status. If a species is listed as "extinct" on these lists, it means that it has been determined by experts to have no living members.
Combining evidence from these various methods helps scientists make an informed determination about the extinction of a species. However, it is important to note that declaring a species extinct is a significant claim and requires rigorous scientific scrutiny.