Section 1: Life on Earth
Understanding Biological Diversity
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Biological Diversity refers to all the different types of organisms, both plant and animal, that exist on the Earth. Since there are so many different species that exist, scientists classify them into 6 different kingdoms to study them better.
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Protecting Biological Diversity from a Theological Perspective
Everything has been created with a purpose. From a theological perspective, God's creations were purposeful; even down to the most annoying pesky mosquito. We were created, according to Genesis, to have dominion over all of God's creations. "Dominion" is often misunderstood; it implies the role of the caretaker/ In a biblical sense, we have a moral obligation to act as stewards of God's own purposes. This means that we must take it upon ourselves to conserve biological diversity to protect God's creations.
Click on the image to read a faith-based article on protecting biological diversity.
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Classwork Task: Choose from the following 2 options (use the article to help you get started):
- Research something that is genetically controlled. Describe some of the benefits AND negative consequences of control.
- Choose a bible passage (use google) and explain what it tells us about protecting diversity.
Classification of Living Things |
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Classification: Kingdom Phylum Subphylum Class Order Family Genus Species
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The Kingdom Monera is now classified into 2 separate systems; however they are still not always recognized. These are: Archaebacteria and Eubacteria.
Click the button to find more information on the kingdoms!
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CRITICAL CHALLENGE #1
Task: Demonstrate an understanding of the classification of living things through background of a specific scientific organism.
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Interdependence
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All species require relationships with other organisms in order to ensure survival. Thus far in your schooling, you have learned about symbiotic relationships and predator/prey relationships.
Species will also need to compete within their specific niche for survival.
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Understanding the Niche
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Resource Partitioning refers to what occurs when organisms divide up a resource or habitat to meet their individual needs.
Variation within Species
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Variability - refers to all the variation within a species; including hair/fur colour, height, eye colour, skin colour, etc.
For many species, survival is dependent on variation. Why is this so? |
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Lab #1: Colouration and Survival
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This simulation lab is used to reinforce the idea of natural selection and protective colouration of species in a given habitat. Students will have 2 classes to complete their lab.
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Section Review
By answering these questions using detail and example, you will be MORE prepared for your quiz than with reviewing the text and notes alone. Keep in mind, this is simply to SUPPLEMENT your review, and not replace it!
- Biological diversity is more than just a description of the variety of living things on Earth. What is biological diversity?
- In what way do the different types of communities and environments in which living things can be found describe ecosystem diversity? In other words... define and describe ecosystem diversity, and talk about communities and the environment in your description.
- Explain the difference between a community and a population.
- How does genetic diversity impact natural selection? How does this ensure the survival of a species?
- Interdependence includes symbiotic relationships between organisms. Provide an example of each type of symbiosis.
- How does a niche differ from an ecosystem? Provide an example of a niche.
- Why did Linnaeus come up with a classification system for organizing living things?
- What is the difference between a kingdom and a species? Define each.
- What is the relationship between predator and prey animals? How does the size of ones population impact the other?
- Compare ecosystem diversity, community diversity and genetic diversity.
- Is it important for us to be aware of and conserve biological diversity? Justify your opinion with facts and examples.