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Classification and Diversity

This block introduces the additional classification content required for students studying IGCSE Biology as a standalone qualification or as part of the Separate Sciences. Learners do not need to have completed any previous blocks, but a basic understanding of the characteristics of living organisms will be helpful. We will use this knowledge to explore how scientists organise, identify and classify the enormous variety of life on Earth.

Why is a dolphin more closely related to a bat than a shark? What makes a spider different from an insect? And how can DNA help scientists work out how closely related two organisms are? In this 6-week IGCSE Biology block, we'll explore the incredible diversity of life and the systems scientists use to make sense of it.

Students will investigate classification, species and the binomial naming system, learn to use and construct dichotomous keys, and explore the characteristics of the five kingdoms. We'll then look more closely at the features used to classify vertebrates, arthropods and major plant groups, before exploring how modern classification uses evolutionary relationships and DNA evidence. Expect plenty of classification challenges, unusual organisms, interactive activities, Kahoot quizzes and IGCSE-style exam questions.

Course Objectives:

Explain why organisms are classified and how classification systems organise organisms into groups based on shared features.
Define a species and explain how the binomial naming system is used to name organisms.
Use and construct dichotomous keys to identify organisms.
Describe the main features of the five kingdoms: animals, plants, fungi, prokaryotes and protoctists.
Identify and compare the main groups of vertebrates: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
Identify and compare the main groups of arthropods: insects, arachnids, crustaceans and myriapods.
Describe the features used to classify plants, including ferns and flowering plants, and distinguish between monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
Explain how classification systems reflect evolutionary relationships and how DNA base sequences can provide evidence of how closely related organisms are.
Apply classification knowledge to unfamiliar organisms, photographs, diagrams and biological specimens.
Develop confidence answering IGCSE-style exam questions using appropriate scientific vocabulary.

Specialist Resources Needed:

A detailed resource list will be provided before the block begins, along with suggested alternatives where appropriate. This block requires very little specialist equipment, with most activities using simple items that learners are likely to already have at home. Learners may be encouraged to collect safe examples from their surroundings, such as leaves or flowers, to use in classification and identification activities. Most of the organisms we study will be explored using photographs, diagrams, specimens and interactive activities provided during the lessons. Learners will also need access to the course worksheets, which will be available on the dashboard. There is no need to purchase any specialist science equipment for this block.

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