Topic 12: Biodiversity and classification
FOCUS on Life Sciences Grade 10 Page 240-258
- 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
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
WCED Term 4 Week 2