Classification and Biodiversity - WJEC GCSE Biology
Introduction
Biodiversity refers to the total number and variety of species in an area.
It is studied using sampling techniques and organisms can be classified according to morphological features.
Part of Biology (Single Science) focusing on variation, homeostasis, and micro-organisms.
Classification
There are millions of different species on Earth.
Scientists group similar organisms for easier identification.
Groups start large with few similarities and become smaller with more common features.
The Five Kingdoms
Animal
Plant
Fungi
Single-celled organisms (Protoctists)
Bacteria
Animal Kingdom
Vertebrates: Animals with a backbone (amphibians, mammals, reptiles, bony fish, birds).
Example animals: Frog, squirrel, snake, clownfish.
Invertebrates: Animals without a backbone (molluscs, annelids, arthropods, nematodes).
Example animals: Clams, earthworms, tarantula, Caenorhabditis elegans.
Plant Kingdom
Flowering Plants: Produce flowers for reproduction (e.g., sunflowers, grasses).
Non-flowering Plants: Reproduce using spores (e.g., ferns, mosses).
Related Topics
Pages for further study include classification, naming species, adaptations, data collection methods (quadrats, transects), and biodiversity.
Additional resources are available on related biological topics such as cell division, DNA, variation, mutation, evolution, nervous system, homeostasis, micro-organisms, disease, and more.