A-Level Biology Specification

OCR A H420

Section 4.2.2: Classification and evolution

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#4.2.2a

the biological classification of species

To include the taxonomic hierarchy of kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species AND domain.

#4.2.2b

the binomial system of naming species and the advantage of such a system

#4.2.2c

(i) the features used to classify organisms into the five kingdoms: Prokaryotae, Protoctista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia

To include the use of similarities in observable features in original classification.

(ii) the evidence that has led to new classification systems, such as the three domains of life, which clarifies relationships

To include the more recent use of similarities in biological molecules and other genetic evidence AND details of the three domains and a comparison of the kingdom and domain classification systems.

#4.2.2d

the relationship between classification and phylogeny

Cladistics and phylogenetic definition of species not covered at AS level.

#4.2.2e

the evidence for the theory of evolution by natural selection

To include the contributions of Darwin and Wallace in formulating the theory of evolution by natural selection AND fossil, DNA (only genomic DNA at AS level) and molecular evidence.

#4.2.2f

the different types of variation

To include intraspecific and interspecific variation AND the differences between continuous and discontinuous variation, using examples of a range of characteristics found in plants, animals and microorganisms AND both genetic and environmental causes of variation.

#4.2.2g

the different types of adaptations of organisms to their environment

Anatomical, physiological and behavioural adaptations AND why organisms from different taxonomic groups may show similar anatomical features, including the marsupial mole and placental mole.

#4.2.2h

the mechanism by which natural selection can affect the characteristics of a population over time

To include an appreciation that genetic variation, selection pressure and reproductive success (or failure) results in an increased proportion of the population possessing the advantageous characteristic(s).

#4.2.2i

how evolution in some species has implications for human populations

To include the evolution of pesticide resistance in insects and drug resistance in microorganisms.