This lesson describes how to use the Spearman’s rank correlation to analyse the relationships between the distribution of species and abiotic and biotic factors. The PowerPoint and accompanying exam-style question are the first lesson in a series of 2 which have been designed to cover point 18.1 (e) of the CIE A-level Biology specification and challenges the students on their knowledge of the t-test as covered in topic 17 as well as preparing students for the next lesson on the use of the Pearson’s linear correlation formula.
As with the lessons on the t-test and Simpson’s index of diversity, a step by step guide is used to walk the students through the use of the formula to generate the rank coefficient and to determine whether there is a positive correlation, no correlation or a negative correlation. The students are also reminded of the null hypothesis and will be shown how to accept or reject this hypothesis and to determine significance. The students will work through an example with the class and then are given the opportunity to apply their newly-acquired knowledge to an exam-style question which assesses whether there is a relationship between light intensity and % plant cover in a habitat. The mark scheme is displayed on the PowerPoint so the students can assess their understanding and address any misconceptions that may arise
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Topic 18.1: Biodiversity (CIE A-level Biology)
The following specification points in topic 18.1 of the CIE A-level Biology specification are covered by these three lessons: [a] Define the terms species, ecosystem and niche [b] Explain that biodiversity is considered at three levels [c] Explain the importance of random sampling in determining the biodiversity of an area [d] Use suitable methods to assess the distribution and abundance of organisms in a local area [e] Use Spearman's rank correlation [f] Use Simpson's index of diversity The lessons are detailed, engaging and contain exam-style questions with mark schemes embedded in the PowerPoint to allow the students to apply and assess their understanding
Topic 18: Biodiversity, classification and conservation (CIE A-level Biology)
Hours of research and planning has gone into each and every one of the 9 lessons that are included in this lesson bundle that covers topic 18 of the CIE A-level Biology course . Conscious that some students do not fully engage in the topics of biodiversity, classsification and conservation, the lessons have been designed to contain a wide range of tasks which will motivate the students whilst the content of the following specification points are covered: 18.1: Biodiversity * Define the terms species, ecosystem and niche * Explain that biodiversity can be considered at three different 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 Spearman's rank correlation to analyse the relationship between the distribution and abundance of species and abiotic or biotic factors * Use Simpson's Index of diversity 18.2: Classification * Describe the classification of species into the 8 taxonomic divisions * Outline the characteristic features of the three domains * Outline the characteristic features of the kingdoms * Explain why viruses are not included in the three domain classification and outline how they are classified 18.3: Conservation * The reasons for the need to maintain biodiversity * Discuss methods of protecting endangered species * The role of non-governmental organisations like the WWF and CITES in local and global conservation If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons in this bundle, then download the Spearman's rank correlation, features of the kingdoms and WWF, CITES and conservation lesson as these have been uploaded for free
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
Maths in A-level Biology (CIE A-level Biology)
Without doubt, the CIE A-level Biology specification contains a lot of maths calculations and every year, there are a large number of exam questions that require the application of a range of mathematical skills. Therefore, a clear understanding of how and when to apply these skills is closely related to success on this course and the following calculations are covered by the 7 lessons that are included in this bundle: * Using the eyepiece graticule and stage micrometer to measure cells and be familiar with units * Calculating actual sizes of specimens from drawings, photomicrographs and electron micrographs * Using the chi-squared test to determine significance between the observed and expected results of a genetic cross * Use the t-test to compare the variation of two populations * Using the Hardy Weinberg principle to calculate allele, genotype and phenotype frequencies in populations * Use Spearman's rank correlation to analyse relationships between the distribution and abundance of species and abiotic or biotic factors * Using Simpson’s index of diversity to calculate the biodiversity of a habitat All of the lessons contain step by step guides that walk the students through the application of the formulae and there are lots of worked examples and exam-style questions for the students to use to assess understanding
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Yet another great resource. Thank you again for sharing.
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