Classification and reclassification: genetic evidence
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the classification, and sometimes reclassification, of organisms based on evidence from their gene sequences.
Key learning points
- Organisms can now be classified using evidence from sequencing their genes
- Comparing gene sequences provides evidence of evolutionary relationships
- Sometimes organisms are reclassified into a different group if new evidence is discovered
Keywords
DNA - Deoxyribonucleic acid is a chemical that carries genetic information, and it is the molecule of inheritance.
Gene sequence - the sequence of DNA that codes for a particular protein
Evolutionary trees - diagrams that show the evolutionary relationships between organisms
Common misconception
Organisms evolve over a short period of time.
Draw pupils attention to the tome scales on the evolutionary trees to show that evolution takes place slowly over long periods of time.
Teacher tip
Make sure that the class have printed versions of the gene sequence data.
Equipment
highlighting pens
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which classification group would contain the most organisms?
Q2.Match the names of the three domains to the organisms that are classified into them.
animals, plants, fungi and protists
true bacteria
extremophiles that live in extreme environments
Q3.What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?
Q4.What major advancement did Carl Woese contribute to the field of classification?
Q5.What are the three domains proposed by Carl Woese in his classification system?
Q6.How did Linnaeus classify organisms in his classification system?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The model shown in the diagram is an evolutionary ...
Q2.According to this evolutionary tree, which two organisms are most closely related?
Q3.Which branching point, P, Q, R or S, shows the most recent common ancestor of species A, B, and C?
Q4.Which species is most closely related to species G?
Q5.How many differences are there between the gene sequence of species G and that of species J?
Q6.Which evolutionary tree shows the relationship between the species shown in the table?
To help you plan your 11 combined science lesson on: Classification and reclassification: genetic evidence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 combined science lesson on: Classification and reclassification: genetic evidence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Classification in modern biology unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.