Define the term species.
Give two examples of sequencing data that can be compared to establish whether or not organisms are of the same species.
The killer whale, Orcinus orca, has been observed by scientists to live in groups known as ecotypes. Two ecotypes, known as ‘transient’ and ‘resident’ killer whales both live in the North Pacific.
Although their habitats overlap, the two ecotypes are considered to be different orca populations. Suggest one reason why this might be the case.
Some scientists believe that resident and transient orca ecotypes, and many other orca ecotypes around the world, should be reclassified as different subspecies.
Suggest one reason why accurate classification of organisms is important.
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