The system of classification is based upon the system first put forward by a Swedish scientist, Carl Linnaeus. Putting organisms into groups based upon similar features and characteristics.
Classification system
Kingdom-there are five kingdoms; Animal, Plant, Fungi, Bacteria and Protista.
Phylum- Vertebrate or non vertebrate. (Backbone or no back bone)
Class-for example if the phylum was vertebrate the class would be, mammals, fish, birds, amphibian or reptiles.
Order-Carnivore (meat eaters), Herbivore (plant eaters), Omnivore ( both plant and meat eaters)
Family-For example the Cat Family
Genus- For example Big Cats (Panthera)
Species- For example Lion (Panthera Leo)
Binomial System
Another system that biologists use is the international naming system, something that was first proposed by Carl Linnaeus. We use this because it is something that is used internationally so where ever you go scientists all over the world will understand. Instead of using common names like Lion, scientists would use the correct term which is Panthera Leo. Panthera is the lion’s Genus name and Leo is it’s species name.
What is a species?
A species is a category used in the classification system. Living things of the same ‘type’ belong to the same species e.g. Human’s are one species and Dogs are another. When organisms of the same species mate they produce an offspring of the same species, therefore that offspring would be viable (fertile). However, if organisms of relatively close species mate they will produce a hybrid. This is the name given to the offspring produced by two different species, for example a mule is the hybrid produced by the mating of a horse and a donkey. The hybrid produced will be sterile (in fertile) so the mule cannot reproduce and carry on that species.
A population is the number of individuals of the same species living in a particular habitat.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity means the variation of living things in a habitat. Biodiversity index means the number of the range of living things in a habitat. To work out the biodiversity index you need to divide the number of species in the area by the total number of individuals in the area. For example a 4 x 4 metre square area of a carrot patch has 300 carrots all the same species. So you divide the number of species which is only 1 by the total number of individuals in the area which is 300. 1/300 =0.003, biodiversity index.
Adaptation
All living things are adapted to their habitat. This means they have special characteristics which enable them to survive in their habitat.
Polar Bear
- White Colour for Camouflage
- Thick layer of fat for insulation
And storage.
- Wide feet (large surface area) to
Reduce pressure
What effects the number of species in a habitat?
In a habitat organisms must compete with each other to get the resources they need to survive. Animals will compete for food, space and a mate and plants may compete for light, minerals or nutrients, water and space. The environmental factors which may stop the increase of population are light, minerals, water and temperature. Other factors which could reduce population include disease and predators. The more species there are the higher the competition may become. If the space is restricted then not only will the competition for space increase but the likeliness of disease spreading will also increase. We can manage increasing population by culling (controlled killing), Biological Control and controlled hunting.
Pollution Indicators
Lichens are a special type of plant because it is composed of two organisms; fungi and algae. They grow on stone walls, buildings, trees, roofs etc. Lichens are indicators of air quality. Certain lichens are damaged by air pollution such as smoke, agricultural fertilisers, sulphur dioxide and quarry dust. This allows scientists to map the air quality by recording the type and number of lichens within an area.
There are different types of Lichen, these include shrubby lichen, crusty lichen, powdery lichen and leafy lichen. Lichen are examples of indicator species as is fresh water invertebrates.
Changes in the pH and oxygen levels are also pollution indicators.