Classification, biodiversity and conservation

What you'll learn

• Discuss the meaning of the term species and explain how species are classified.
• Outline the characteristic features of the three domains and of the four kingdoms of eukaryotic organisms.
• Outline how viruses are classified.
• Explain the importance of biodiversity in terms of ecosystems, habitats, species and the genetic diversity within each species.
• Investigate ecosystems using techniques for assessing the occurrence, abundance and distribution of species.
• Explain how species may become extinct.
• Calculate Simpson’s index of diversity and use it to compare the biodiversity of different areas.
• Use statistical methods to analyse the relationships between the distribution and abundance of species and abiotic or biotic factors.
• Discuss the reasons for maintaining biodiversity and outline the ways in which biodiversity is conserved.
• Describe methods of assisted reproduction used in the conservation of endangered mammal species.
• Explain why it is necessary to control invasive alien species.
• Discuss the roles of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in global conservation.

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