This fully-resourced lesson describes the differences between continuous and discontinuous variation. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 17.1 (a) of the CIE A-level Biology specification but also acts as a revision of topic 16 as it challenges students on their knowledge of gene mutations and meiosis.
The students begin the lesson by having to identify phenotype and species from their respective definitions so that a discussion can be encouraged where they will recognise that phenotypic variation within a species is due to both genetic and environmental factors. The main part of the the lesson focuses on these genetic factors, and describes how mutation and the events of meiosis contribute to this variation. A range of activities, which include exam-style questions and quick quiz rounds, are used to challenge the students on their knowledge and understanding of substitution mutations, deletions, insertions, the genetic code, crossing over and independent assortment. Moving forwards, the concept of multiple alleles is introduced and students will learn how the presence of more than 2 alleles at a locus increases the number of phenotypic variants. Another quick quiz round is used to introduce polygenic inheritance and the link is made between this inheritance of genes at a number of loci as an example of continuous variation. In line with the title of the lesson, the next task challenges them to recognise descriptions and examples which apply to the different types of variations. The final part of the lesson introduces a few examples where environmental factors affect phenotype, such as chlorosis in plants, so that students are prepared for the following lesson.
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Topics 17 & 18: Selection, evolution, biodiversity & classification (CIE A-level Biology)
The topics of selection, evolution, biodiversity, classification and conservation are key concepts in Biology, that are regularly assessed in the exams, but are not always that well understood by the students. With this at the forefront of the lesson design, these 16 lesson PowerPoints and their accompanying resources have been intricately planned to cover the detailed content of topics 17 & 18 of the CIE A-level Biology specification through the use of a wide range of tasks to engage and motivate the students. There are plenty of opportunities for the students to assess their current understanding through the completion of exam-style questions and also to check on their prior knowledge by making links to earlier topics. The following specification points are covered by these lessons: Topic 17.1: Variation * The differences between continuous and discontinuous variation * Using the t-test to compare the variation of two different populations * The importance of genetic variation in selection Topic 17.2: Natural and artificial selection * Natural selection * Explain how environmental factors can act as stabilising, disruptive and directional forces of natural selection * Explain how the founder effect and genetic drift may affect allele frequencies in populations * Use the Hardy-Weinberg principle Topic 17.3: Evolution * The molecular evidence that reveals similarities between closely related organisms * Explain how speciation may occur Topic 18.1: Biodiversity * Define the terms species, ecosystem and niche * Explain that biodiversity is considered at three levels * Explain the importance of random sampling in determining the biodiversity of an area * Use suitable methods to assess the distribution and abundance of organisms in a local area * Use the Spearman's rank correlation to analyse relationships between data * Use Simpson's index of diversity Topic 18.2: Classification * The classification of species into taxonomic hierarchy * The characteristic features of the three domains * The characteristic features of the kingdoms * Explain why viruses are not included in the three domain classification Topic 18.3: Conservation * The reasons for the need to maintain biodiversity * Methods of protecting endangered species * The roles of organisations like the WWF and CITES in local and global conservation If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons that are included in this bundle then download the following as these have been shared for free: * Continuous and discontinuous variation * Molecular evidence & evolution * Spearman's rank correlation * WWF, CITES and conservation It is estimated that it will take up to 2 months of A-level Biology teaching time to cover the detail included in these lessons
Topic 17: Selection and evolution (CIE A-level Biology)
This bundle contains 8 detailed and engaging lessons, and together they cover a lot of the key content of topic 17 in the CIE A-level Biology specification. Selection and evolution are key processes in Biology but are not always well understood or well explained by students. With this in mind, these lessons have been designed to support students in making links between the different concepts. The following specification points are covered by these lessons: * The differences between continuous and discontinuous variation * Using the t-test to compare the variation of two different populations * The importance of genetic variation in selection * Natural selection * Environmental factors can act as stabilising, disruptive and directional forces in natural selection * Selection, the founder effect and genetic drift affect allele frequencies in populations * Using the Hardy-Weinberg principle * The molecular evidence that reveals similarities between closely related organisms * Allopatric and sympatric speciation If you would like to sample the quality of lessons in this bundle then download the following lessons as these have been shared for free * continuous and discontinuous variation * molecule evidence and evolution
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