Topic 12: Biodiversity and classification

FOCUS on Life Sciences Grade 10 Page 240-258

  1. Core content

Biodiversity

Enormous biodiversity on Earth (large variety of species, different ecosystems and genetic differences) with an emphasis on the extent of biodiversity and endemism in southern Africa: indigenous and endemic species.

• Classification Schemes

Classification schemes are a way of organising biodiversity

• Brief history of classification: Scientists attempt to classify organisms based on shared features. As information increases classification changes.

One of the currently accepted classification systems is the five-kingdom system: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista and Monera (Bacteria).

• The naming of things in science: species concept and binomial system. Focus on Linnaeus (Carl von Linne) and his role in classification systems: Why do we use Latin?

• Differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes (link to cell structure).

• The main groupings of living organisms, diagnostic features of each:

- Bacteria

- Protista

- Fungi

- Plants

- Animals

Gr10 Topic 12_biodiversity & classification CC.pdf

Biodiversity Notes

2. Activities to be completed


  • Act. 1 Check what you already know (page 241)

  • Act. 2 Draw a bar graph of endemic species (page 245)

  • Act. 3 Answer questions about biodiversity hot spots (page 246)

  • Act. 4 Classify everyday objects (page 249)

  • Act. 5 Analyse use of scientific names (page 251)

  • Act. 6 Use a biological key to classify animals into groups (page 255)

  • Act. 7 Identify a tree using an identification guide (page 256)


  • Test Practice (page 258 - 259)

3. Relevant video resources

Taxonomy - Life's filing system

Scientific classification song

Classification (Amoeba Sisters)

4. Revision resources

Life Sciences Grade 10 Term Four Week Two.pdf

WCED Term 4 Week 2

5. Informal assessments