AS/A2
Classification and Genetics
Information and guidance for teachers
CURRICULUM LINKS
Biology
• Classification is the means of organising the variety of life
based on relationships between organisms and is built
around the concept of species.
•
Originally classification systems were based on observable
features but more recent approaches draw on a wider
ranger of evidence to clarify relationships between
organisms
Last updated: August 2015
Tigers face the imminent threat
of extinction in the wild
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending this workshop all students will be able to:
• understand why species are classified
• explain why zoos use classification
Most students will be able to:
• link Linnaeus with the binomial system of naming species
• recognise the currently accepted classification hierarchy
• name the five Kingdoms and their features
• give an example of the use of taxonomy or DNA studies in the
work of a zoo
Some students will be able to:
• compare different classification techniques and judge their
relative merits
• explain various technical terms used when classifying species (e.g
binomial, PCR, subspecies, gene sequencing.)
The Okapi has a
surprising family tree
LESSON PLAN
Using artefacts, such as skulls, students will work in groups to classify
their items to species level. In the process they will discover more about
the following:
•
Why we classify species
•
The currently accepted classification hierarchy (Kingdom, Phylum,
Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species)
•
Traditional and modern molecular techniques used in classification
•
The distinguishing features of the five kingdoms (animals, plants,
prokaryotes, fungi and protists)
In addition, using a specific Chester Zoo case study, students will find
out:
•
The relevance of classification and genetics to zoos reclassification of the Ecuador Amazon Parrot and the impact on its
conservation status.
Ecuador Amazon Parrot reclassified by Chester
Zoo in 2014
IMPORTANT NOTE – ANIMAL CONTACT
Some Discovery Workshops MAY include a selection of bio-artefacts.
Please inform us in advance of any allergies or phobias that may be
affected by this. An antibacterial foam handwash will be offered to all
students at the end of the session. In order for this to be effective,
teachers are asked to ensure that all students have clean hands on
arrival at the Education Centre.
SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR VISIT
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
• Prior learning of key concepts to maximise learning
potential of trip – Classification hierarchy; the five
Kingdoms and their characteristics
PLAN A ROUTE
•
Species discussed during the workshop, that can be seen here at
Chester Zoo, include:
Okapi, Capybara, Lion, Tiger (Islands), Jaguar, Cheetah, Bali Starling
(Islands), Bornean (Realm of the Red Ape) and Sumatran Orangutan
(Islands), Komodo Dragon (Dragons in Danger), Tuatara (Tropical Realm).
Tuatara at Chester
Zoo’s Tropical Realm
DURING YOUR VISIT
• Collect information relating to a particular taxon (e.g
carnivores or artiodactyls in the mammals; or snakes in the
reptiles). What are their common features? How are they
different? Ask students to work in groups to examine
different taxa.
• Look at species that have traditionally been classified
incorrectly or are tricky to place – e.g. Red Pandas (formerly
thought to be related to Racoons, then Giant Pandas and
even true bears – Family Ursidae) or Elephants (their closest
living relatives are actually the Hyraxes (which can be seen
in the Zoo) and the sea-cows – not an obvious guess).
DID YOU KNOW?
A selection of curriculum- linked self-led Explorer trails are available to
download at
http://www.chesterzoo.org/WhatWeDo/Education/Explorer%20Programme.
aspx
AFTER YOUR VISIT
• Design a key to identify the taxon studied. Using other
students’ work, a more complete hierarchy will become
apparent (use photos taken on camera phones to assist).
Red Panda, a
classification challenge?