CE/KS3 Biology: Variation & Classification

Common Entrance / KS3 Biology – Variation & Classification

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✅  Information broken down into short chunks
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Understanding how organisms are classified in order to study them is the basis of this biology topic pack. Starting with the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates within the animal kingdom, this pack explains how we have divided organisms into classifications to make it possible to study them. How biologists look at variation in organisms and different species and how they adapt is all part of the classification process, which is so vital for the practical study of the plant and animal kingdoms. This topic pack also investigates how we collect and display data during biological experiments, the different environmental and inherited factors that affect the variation, and the processes of selective breeding and genetic modification.

This Common Entrance & Key Stage 3 Topic pack covers the variation and classification module of the syllabus in a very visual format, and by using an active revision game and illustrations alongside the key points, this topic pack is ideal for revising this Common Entrance & Key Stage 3 biology topic.

One of the key features of our science topic packs is the use of a glossary of keywords and terms. This is a vital tool to ensure that pupils recognise and understand the keywords associated with each topic BEFORE they start learning about the specific topic. This way, they can focus on the processes rather than struggling with keywords, and learning will be both more effective and less stressful for them.

Topics Covered Include:

• Glossary of key terms
• Variation
• Species
• Inherited and environmental factors affecting variation
• Continuous and discontinuous variation
• Collecting and displaying data
• Correlations
• Selective Breeding and Genetic Modification
• Taxonomic Classification
• Classification Keys
• The Animal Kingdom
• Features of the different types of animals
• Vertebrates and invertebrates and their features

About Variation & Classification

The classification of species enables us to study the similarities and differences between different groups of organisms. Here are some key terms in variation and classification:

• Variation refers to the differences that exist between individuals within a population. Variation can arise from inherited genetic factors as well as environmental factors, and it plays a crucial role in the process of evolution.
• Species refers to a group of living organisms that are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. Species are defined by their unique set of characteristics, which are determined by their genetic makeup.
• Inherited factors affecting variation include genes passed from one generation to the next. These genes determine an individual’s physical characteristics, such as height, eye color, and hair color. Environmental factors, such as nutrition, disease, and exposure to toxins, can also affect an individual’s characteristics and contribute to variation within a population.
• Continuous variation is a type of variation in which the differences between individuals are gradual and smooth rather than distinct and separate. An example of continuous variation is height in humans, where individuals can be tall, short, or anywhere in between.
• Discontinuous variation is a type of variation in which the differences between individuals are distinct and separate rather than gradual and smooth. An example of discontinuous variation is blood type in humans, where individuals can have one of four different blood types: A, B, AB, or O.

Engaging, full-colour illustrations on every page

Text broken down into bite-sized chunks on a lightly shaded background

A simple, easy-to-understand glossary of key terms