Paper 2 style question on topic 5.3 Classification of diversity

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Summary list for topic 5.3 Classification of biodiversity

  • The binomial system of scientific names is used across the world. It was agreed by biologists at a series of congresses,
  • When a species is discovered it is given a scientific (binomial) name.
  • Taxonomists classify species using a hierarchy of taxa.
  • All organisms are classified into three domains; Archaea (called archaeans), eubacteria (bacteria) and eukaryote (eukaryotes). Note: Viruses are not classified as living.
  • Eukaryotes are classified into the main taxa: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species.
  • In a natural classification, the genus and accompanying higher taxa consist of all the species that have evolved from one common ancestral species.
  • This natural classification helps identification of species and the prediction of shared characteristics by related species.
  • Taxonomists sometimes reclassify groups of species when new evidence about evolution appears.

Skills (can you ....)

  • Classify one plant and one animal species from domain to species level.
  • Remember and recognise the main features of:
    • bryophyta, filicinophyta, coniferophyta and angiospermophyta.(including vascular tissue)
    • porifera, cnidaria, platylhelmintha, annelida, mollusca, arthropoda and chordata.
    • birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and fish.
  • Construct a dichotomous key for use in identifying specimens.