Topic 12: Biodiversity and classification

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