B1 TOPIC 1 - VARIATION

Classification (Part 2/2)

CVHS GCSE POWERPOINT SHARE

Difficulties of Accurate ClassificationOrganisms are the same species if they can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

1) Not all organisms reproduce like the species definition states:• Some may produce asexually instead of sexually

2) Members of the same species can look very different: • Breeds of dogs

3) Hybrids can be fertile (2 species interbreeding):• Mallard Duck breeding with Yellow-Billed Duck

The Binomial SystemThe binomial system gives organisms a two part name.

This consists of the ‘genus’ and ‘species’ of the specific organism.

It helps scientists to...Identify species - It avoids confusion between language barriers.Study species - Scientists can share information easily on the organism.Conserve species - Species can be similar in looks, but are different, which means it is easier to conserve them.Target conservation - Protecting areas with a great variety of species, such as rainforests.

The Binomial System

‘American Robin’‘European Robin’

The European and American Robins may look very similar, however they have a completely different species and genus.

Without the binomial system, if one became endangered, it may not actually be the one that is protected...

KeysA key is a series of questions.

It is used to figure out what an unknown organism is.

You work your way down the questions, and narrow down your options as you go.

You keep on answering the questions and eventually you will be narrowed down to just one possible species the organism could be.

KeysHere is an example of a key for a worm, a bee and a gorilla

Does the organism have legs?

YesNoDoes it have yellow and black stripes?

YesNo

QuestionsName some difficulties with the classification system(3)

What is the binomial system (2)

Explain how the binomial system can be useful (3)

Design a key for a sunflower, a tiger and a slug (5)