SCTB550 – Life on Earth
Module code
SCTB550
Module title
Life on Earth
Prescription
This module will provide the student with knowledge of the evolution, diversity and physiological adaptations of organisms.
Programmes
- FT0001
- FT0004
- SC1302
NZQA Level
Level 5
NZQA Credits
15
Delivery method
- Web-Enhanced
Learning hours
- Directed hours
- 75
- Self directed hours
- 75
- Total learning hours
- 150
Resources required
- Learning Outcomes
- Learning Outcomes and Performance Criteria:
On completion of this module the student will be able to:
1.Place organisms in their taxonomic category
- The binomial naming system for organisms is used correctly
- Taxonomic methods used to classify organisms are compared
- The hierarchical categories domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species are used correctly
- Keys are used to identify selected plant and animal taxa
2. Outline the process of evolution by natural selection
- Evolution is defined
-The Darwinian concept of natural selection is understood
3. Explain the process of speciation
- The concept of species is explained
- Speciation is defined and sympatric and allopatric speciation distinguished
- Adaptive radiation is defined and examples described
4. Describe the origins of life and the history of the major taxa
- Theories of the origin of life on earth are examined
- The origins of the major taxa are identified in geological time
- Major extinctions are described and the possible causes discussed
5.Explain evolutionary trends
- Trends to multicellularity in protists are described
- Increasing complexity of structure and physiology is tracked through the major plant groups
Range: photosynthesis, water relations, reproduction
- Increasing complexity of structure and physiology is tracked through the major animal groups (excludes mammals)
Range: osmoregulation, gas exchange and circulation, digestion, movement, reproduction
- The importance of alternation of generations in the life cycles of protists and plants is explained
- The significance of parasitism and symbiosis is explained by reference to selected examples
- The phylogenetic significance of fossil and remnant groups is explained
6.Explain the problems associated with life on land and the adaptations of plants and animals to overcome these problems
- Problems of desiccation, reproduction without water, gaseous exchange in air, and support and movement on land are explained
- Adaptations which permit life on land by terrestrial plants and animals are described
7.Describe the characteristics that distinguish the domains and kingdoms of living things.
- Unifying characteristics of each Domain and Kingdom are described
- Examples of organisms from each Domain and Kingdom are examined and their structures and life histories described - Content
- Taxonomy
Natural Selection
Speciation
Colonisation of land
The unifying characteristics of the Kingdoms
Evolutionary trends in the physiology of animals and plants - Learning and Teaching Resource
- Formal lectures, practical classes in the laboratory, tutorials and seminars.
