Topic 3.1 Classification Processes Learning Objectives

identify one example of a species that does not produce fertile offspring.

A mule, which is a hybrid of a horse and a donkey, is an example of a species that does not produce fertile offspring.

explain how the process of classifying ecosystems is an important step towards effective ecosystem management in an old growth forest.

Classifying ecosystems helps identify key habitats and biodiversity, guiding conservation efforts, resource management, and restoration practices in old growth forests.

Biological Species Concept?

Two organisms are able to produce viable fertile offspring, defining a species by reproductive isolation.

Morphological species concept?

Characterising a species by its morphology. Meaning organisms sharing similar physical traits or structures are grouped together.

Phylogenetic Species Concept?

Smallest clade or group who can trace their origins to a single common ancestor.

Explain limitations of the biological species concept?

Does not apply to fossils of extinct organisms. Additionally, it cannot be used for asexual organisms that do not reproduce sexually.

Describe stratified sampling?

statistical sampling technique used for ecosystems or ecoregions. It involves dividing the ecosystem into distinct subgroups or strata and then sampling from each stratum to ensure representation of all segments.

Strengths of stratified sampling?

Accurately estimate a population size, distribution and density across an ecosystem and identify environmental gradients and habitat zones.

Identify a sampling technique?

Quadrats (estimate the distribution and abundance)

Identify a second sampling technique?

Transect, a line through an eco system used as a boundary for sampling

Explain how error/bias can be minimised during sampling collection?

The number of quadrats should be proportional to the size of the ecosystem to ensure that the estimate is representative of the population size.

Random number generator to determine the position of quadrats and follow a strict criteria for how much a plant is in to be counted within the quadrat.