The diagram shows two different methods of classifying three distinct mammal species: the red panda (Ailurus fulgens), the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), and the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus).
Both the giant panda and the spectacled bear belong to the family Ursidae.
What do these classifications suggest about the evolutionary relationships between the red panda, the giant panda, and the spectacled bear?
Identify the five missing taxa (1 to 5) in order for the taxonomic classification of the giant panda below:
Historically, there was a major scientific disagreement regarding the classification of the giant panda. Some taxonomists classified it as Ursus melanoleucus, while others placed it in a separate genus, Ailuropoda melanoleuca. State the name of the taxon about which these scientists disagreed.
State three molecular comparisons that scientists use to generate Classification B.
Practise AQA A Level Biology Species and taxonomy with exam-style questions for A Level Biology. 12 questions, matched to the AQA A Level Biology (7402) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
