These revision notes provide an in depth summary of this specific chapter of AQA Biology in the A Level Specification -
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Biology revision – Biodiversity (Unit 10)
Species and taxonomy
- Classification is the organisation of living organisms into groups
- This process is based on a number of accepted principles
The concept of species
- A species is a basic unit of classification
- Members of a single species have one main thing in common
o They are capable of breeding to produce living, fertile offspring
Therefore they are able to produce more offspring
Meaning that when a species reproduces sexually, any of the
genes of its individuals can be combined with any other
Naming species – the binomial system
- Organisms are identified by two names
- Its features are as follows
o It’s a universal system based on Latin or Greek names
o The first name, called the generic name, denotes the genus to which the
organism belongs
This is equivalent to the surname used to identify people and shared by
their relatives
o The second name, called the specific name, denotes the species to which the
organism belongs
This is equivalent to the first name used to identify people
However, this specific name is never shared by other species
within the genus
- There are rules that are applied to the use of the binomial system
o Names are printed in italics or underlined to indicate they are scientific names
o First letter of the generic name is in caps but specific name is lowercase
o If specific name isn’t known, it can be written as ‘sp’ – Felix sp
- Naming of organisms is in a constant state of change
- Current names reflect the present state of scientific knowledge and understanding
- In the same way, classification of species is regularly changing as our knowledge of
their evolution, physical features, biochemistry and behaviour increases
Courtship behaviour
- Members of the same species have similar behavioural patterns
- The behaviour of members of the same species is more alike than that of members of
different species
- The ability to display a behaviour is genetically determined
- When it comes to the survival of the species, courtship and mating are essential
- Reproduction is the means by which a species can survive over time
- Each individual has adaptations that help to ensure their DNA is passed on
- Females only produce eggs at specific times
o Thus it’s important to ensure that mating is successful and that the offspring
have the maximum chance of survival
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