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