Variation

Variation:

Differences in characteristics are called Variation. There is variation within a species but more variation within different species. Variation within  a species can make classification difficult.

So that scientists know that a new organism isn't just a hybrid they find more then one of the organism.

To identify new species you can use a key. A key is a diagram containing a set of questions/statements that is used to work out an organisms name.

Classification using the Binomial System allows biologists to:
Identify existing and new species easily.
See relations between organisms.
Identify the areas of greater or lesser biodiversity.

Biodiversity is a variety of species of plants and animals. It's measuring the amount of different species that live in a particular area.

Biodiversity is important because we receive many products from living things. So the more species the more choices we have for now AND the future.
Plus biodiverse areas are better at recovering from natural disasters.

Biodiversity hotspots (areas of greater biodiversity) are places biologists think need most time and money spent on trying to conserve them as it will result in a greater number of species being conserved.

Key Words:

Variation
Key
Biodiversity
Biodiversity Hotspots


Questions:

1. What is variation?
2. How does classification make it easier to measure biodiversity?
3. Why is it important to protect biodiversity hotspots?
4. Why do scientists need to find more then one example of a new organism?
5. Design a key to identify some farm animals. Try and include animals from the same AND different species.


What you should've learnt:


Why Binomial Classification is needed to identify, study and conserve species, and can be used to target conservation efforts.

How accurate Classification may be complicated by a. variation within a species.

Construct and use keys to show how species can be identified.