Criterion A - Intergrated Science (Grade 10)

Environmental science, and Biology

Environmental Value Systems (EVS)

A worldview or paradigm that shapes how individuals or societies perceive and evaluate environmental issues, including ecocentric (nature-centered), anthropocentric (human-centered), and technocentric (technology-centered) viewpoints.

Food webs

A complex network of interconnected food chains showing the flow of energy and matter through an ecosystem, demonstrating how different organisms are related through feeding relationships.

Inheritance

The process by which genetic traits are passed from parents to offspring through DNA.

DNA

Thread-like structures in the nucleus made of DNA and proteins; humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).

Chromosomes

Thread-like structures in the nucleus made of DNA and proteins; humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).

Karyotypes

A visual representation of an organism’s chromosomes, arranged in pairs by size and shape; used to detect chromosomal abnormalities.

Genetic Techniques and DNA Profiling

Methods like gel electrophoresis and PCR used to identify individuals based on their DNA, often in forensics and paternity tests.

Cell Theory

States that all living things are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Cell Division - Mitosis

Produces two genetically identical diploid cells for growth and repair.

Cell divisions - Meiosis

Produces four genetically different haploid cells (gametes) for sexual reproduction.

Reproduction: Asexual

One parent, offspring are genetically identical (e.g., binary fission).

Reproduction: Sexual

Two parents, genetic variation in offspring due to fertilization and meiosis.

Theoretical Genetics

The study of how traits are inherited and predicted using models, often through tools like Punnett squares and probability.

Mendel's Law of Inheritance - Law of Segregation

Alleles separate during gamete formation.

Mendel’s Law of Inheritance - Law of Independent Assortment

Genes for different traits assort independently.

Non-Mendelian Genetics

Patterns of inheritance that don’t follow Mendel’s laws, including incomplete dominance, codominance, multiple alleles, and polygenic traits.

Punnett Squares

A diagram used to predict the probability of offspring inheriting certain genotypes and phenotypes based on parental alleles.

Pedigree Charts

Diagrams showing genetic relationships and inheritance patterns within families over generations.

Nature and Nurture

The debate on whether genetics (nature) or environment/experience (nurture) has a greater influence on traits and behaviors.

Natural Selection

A process where organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully, driving evolution.

Adaptation

Traits that improve survival or reproduction.

Competition

Occurs when organisms vie for limited resources like food or territory.

Evolution

The gradual change in a population’s genetic makeup over time, driven by mechanisms like natural selection and mutation.

Selective Breeding

The human practice of breeding animals or plants for specific genetic traits, like size or disease resistance.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in all forms, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.