Name: ………………………………….. Set: ………….

WJEC AS Biology Biodiversity & Classification

(2.1 All Organisms are related through their Evolutionary History)

Specification Points:

(a) Biodiversity is the number of different organisms on the planet.

Biodiversity varies spatially and over time.

(b) Biodiversity has been generated through natural selection and

adaptation over millions of years. Adaptive radiation e.g. Darwin’s finches

on the Galapagos.

(c) Organisms are classified into groups based on their evolutionary

relationships. Classification places organisms into discrete and hierarchical

groups with other closely related species. The need for classification and its

tentative nature. Characteristic features of Kingdoms: Prokaryotae,

Protoctista, Plantae, Fungi, Animalia.

(d) Animal biodiversity is classified into over 20 major phyla and several

minor ones with each phylum containing organisms based on a basic

blueprint. Basic features of: Annelids, Arthropods, Chordates. Arthropods

are subdivided into four groups (details not required). Some phyla contain

many more species than others.

(e) Physical features and biochemical methods can be used to assess the

relatedness of organisms. DNA ‘genetic fingerprinting’ and enzyme studies

show relatedness without the problem of morphological convergence.

(f) All organisms are named according to the Binomial system. The species

concept.

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What is biodiversity? Definition: List factors that may affect biodiversity. Where are the most biodiverse places on earth? How was biodiversity generated?

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Evolutions is:

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Natural Selection is:

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Who was Charles Darwin?

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Where did Darwin go to develop his theory of Natural

Selection?

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Why is this an example of adaptive radiation?

What does the fossil record show about the historical pattern of adaptation and

evolution?

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Classification

What is this diagram of?

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What is a phylogenetic tree?

What is the system of classification?

K

P

C

O

F

G

s

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Task: Find out the basic characteristics of the following taxonomic groups.

Prokaryota

Protoctista

Plantae

Fungi

Animalia

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The Animal kingdom is further divided into several Phyla.

Annelids (8000 named species)

Arthropods (1 million named species)

Chordates (60,000 named species)

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How do we recognise closely related species?

Morphology

e.g The Pentadactyl Limb

Why is the presence of wings in birds and in insects not a sign of relatedness?

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Biochemical methods

Proportions of genes or proteins shared between species can be measured.

How does this show whether species are closely related or not?

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Extension: DNA Hybridisation & immunological Comparison of Proteins

Immunological Comparison of

Proteins

• Antibodies of one species will react to

specific antigens on proteins within the blood

serum of another.

Immunological Comparison of

Proteins

1. Serum albumin from Sp. A injected into Sp

B

2. Sp. B produces antibodies specific to all the

antigen sites on Sp. A albumin

3. Serum is extracted from Sp. B; containing

antibodies specific to antigens on Sp. A’s

albumin.

Immunological Comparison of

Proteins

4. Serum from Sp. B is mixed with blood from

a third species, Sp. C

5. Antibodies respond to antigens on albumin

of Sp. C

6. Response is the formation of a precipitate

7. More similar antigens, more precipitate

formed and more closely related the species

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Binomial System of Classification

What is a species?

The Binomial System of Classification

Uses Latin or Greek names

The first name is …………………………………………………………………………………………....

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o (Similar to the surname of a person)

The second name is ………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

o (Similar to the first name of a person)

The specific name is never shared with another species within the genus.

The names are printed in italics or underlined if hand written

The first letter of the generic name is capitalised, and the specific name is not

Principles of Classification

The grouping of species is called …………………………., whereas the practice of biological classification is called ………………………….

Canislupus

Equuscaballus

Proteacaffra

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Problems Defining Species: The Mule Problem Which animals mate to produce a mule?

How many chromosomes does a mule have? Why is this important?