Variation of the Species

Lesson Objectives At the end of this lesson you should be able to   Define Community Define Niche Discuss the diversity of organisms Define the term species

Classification Means placing objects into groups based on similar characteristics

Species A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. Eg, Humans, Cats, Dogs, Oak Trees

Taxonomy The study of classification

Community A community is all the different populations in an area

Niche A ecological niche of an organism is the functional role it plays in the community. Reduces competition between species.

Variation Variation within a species means that in a group of successfully interbreeding organisms the individual members show different characteristics

There are two types of variation – Acquired variations and Inherited variations Acquired variations are not inherited but are learned or developed Inherited variations are controlled by genes

Speciation Is the production of a new species as a result of evolution

Tiger – a member of the cat family

Lion – a member of the cat family

Liger = Male Lion + Female Tiger

Liger Family in Chinese Zoo

Tigon = Male tiger + Female Lion Males are sterile but female are fertile – so not a new species

For a new species to be formed all the offspring must be fertile

Learning Check What is meant by variation? Give the definition for species Why is a liger not a new species?

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