topic 4 bio

• what is taxonomy?


  organising and naming organisms
• describe the Linnaean system


  hierarchal classification system, species
• what is binomial nomenclature?

  scientific naming system for organisms
• Explain the purpose of classification

  organising diversity into groups
• Define phylogenetics


  evolutionary relationship study
• what is a species?

  a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
• describe hierarchical classification


  grouping organisms based on characteristics
• what are cladograms


  evoloutionary relationship diagram
• explain molecular phylogeny


  DNA, protein sequence analysis
• how do taxonomists classify organisms?

  based on shared characteristics
• what is biodiversity conservation?


  Preserving species and ecosystems
• describe habitat conservation


  preserving natural habitats, ecosystems
• what are biodiversity hotspots

  areas with high biodiversity
• explain captive breeding programs

  breeding endangered species in captivity
• what is habitat restoration

  restoring damaged ecosystems to health
• describe the role of protected areas

  preserving natural habitats, species
• what is sustainable resource management

  responsible use of natural resources
• what are invasive species


  non-native species harming ecosystems
• how does climate change effect biodiversity

  alters habitats, threatens species
• what is the cell wall

  provides structural support, protection
• describe the function of chloroplast

  site of photosynthesis, chlorophyll present
• what is the central vacuole?

  Stores water, nutrients, waste
• what are amyoplasts?


  Storage organelles in some plant cells.

  stores starch and converts back to glucose when plant needs it
• Describe function of the nucleus

  contains genetic material
• what is the function of plant stems?

  Support, transport and storage
• describe structure of stems

  central axis, nodes, internodes
• describe the function of vascular bundles

  transport water, nutrients, structural support
• how do stems support plants

  structural support, transport
• what is starch?


  storage Carbohydrate in plants
• describe structure of starch

  made of two polymers, amylopectin and amylose
• what is the function of starch in plants?

  Energy storage, structural support
• explain cellulose


  structural pollysaccaride in plants
• what is the role of cellulose in plants?


  Structure, strength, rigidity to cell walls
• what are plant fibres?

  fibrous materials from plants
• explain the properties of plant fibres


  strong, flexible, resistant, light weight
• how are plant fibres used?

  ropes, mats, paper
• what is the significance of plant fibres?


  industrial and economic importance
• what is the definition of biodiversity?

  a study of all variation within and between all forms of life
• definition of endemism?


  certain species only occurring in one particular area of the world

  usually at risk due to their limited range
• what is species richness?


  The number of different species in an ecosystem