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 Unit Objectives:
Diversity & Classification


KNOWLEDGE of SUBJECT MATTER:  

Students should have knowledge of each of the following and be able to apply them in simple situations:

  1. define key terms used in this unit

  2. difficulty of distinguishing different organisms without a system

  3. Linnaeus' seven level binomial system of naming organisms and associated conventions

  4. the biological concept of a species as defined by reproductive and structural traits

  5. the unique distinguishing characteristics of animals in phyla: Porifera, Cnidaria, Annelida, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Arthropoda

  6. details of class Insecta including common examples

  7. phylum Chordata and characteristics of the seven classes

  8. plant phyla Algae, Bryophyta

  9. phylum Tracheophyta, and characteristics of the three classes: Pteridophyta, Gymnospermata and Angiospermata

  10. difficulty of classifying viruses, monera, fungi and protists

  11. the use of keys to classify organisms

 


 
SIMPLE SCIENTIFIC PROCESSES:

Students should be able to:

  1. classify organisms to phylum by appropriate characteristics

  2. use a prepared key to classify specific organisms

  3. collect a key to separate and identify physical characteristics or a group of organisms

  4. construct a simple key to separate and identify physical characteristics of a group of organisms

  5. interpret diagrammatic information and apply to new situations
COMPLEX REASONING PROCESSES:

Students should be able to:

  1. critically analyse existing systems for classification and suggest alternative systems

  2. investigate and argue coherently for the inclusion of fungi, lichen or viruses into a system of classification

  3. from given information determine where hypothetical organisms may be classified

  4. construct a key to separate and identify physical characteristics of a group of organisms

  5. evaluate the problem of using species concept, giving examples

  6. argue the subjectivity of any system of classification and its assumptions

  7. evaluate the many theories on the extinction of the dinosaurs

  8. interpret and evaluate data on prion diseases