Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

Challenges With Biological Species Concept Asexual Species & Bacteria

Word Count Emoji
451 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Biological species concept - a quick intro 🐾

Definition: The biological species concept defines species based on whether organisms can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. It's like putting all your favorite songs in a playlist; they all "fit" together!

 

But hang on! Not everything in biology fits into this playlist. Here's where things get interesting

Asexual reproduction - cloning around 🌼

Asexual reproduction means an organism makes a copy of itself - like photocopying a selfie!

  • Example I: Blackberries (they're not just for pie) reproduce asexually, producing offspring that are identical clones.
  • Example II: Dandelions, those little yellow things in your yard, do the same!

Problem: Because they're all clones, the biological species concept gets a bit confused. Imagine trying to categorize every single drawing you've made since you were five - crazy, right?

 

What's Up with the Clones?

  • Microspecies: Hundreds of blackberry clones have been named as separate species. Only experts can tell them apart, like knowing the difference between 300 different shades of blue!
  • The Dilemma: Should we treat these asexual reproducing organisms as species or not? It's like deciding whether to include all your doodles in your art portfolio or not.

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IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

Challenges With Biological Species Concept Asexual Species & Bacteria

Word Count Emoji
451 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Biological species concept - a quick intro 🐾

Definition: The biological species concept defines species based on whether organisms can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. It's like putting all your favorite songs in a playlist; they all "fit" together!

 

But hang on! Not everything in biology fits into this playlist. Here's where things get interesting

Asexual reproduction - cloning around 🌼

Asexual reproduction means an organism makes a copy of itself - like photocopying a selfie!

  • Example I: Blackberries (they're not just for pie) reproduce asexually, producing offspring that are identical clones.
  • Example II: Dandelions, those little yellow things in your yard, do the same!

Problem: Because they're all clones, the biological species concept gets a bit confused. Imagine trying to categorize every single drawing you've made since you were five - crazy, right?

 

What's Up with the Clones?

  • Microspecies: Hundreds of blackberry clones have been named as separate species. Only experts can tell them apart, like knowing the difference between 300 different shades of blue!
  • The Dilemma: Should we treat these asexual reproducing organisms as species or not? It's like deciding whether to include all your doodles in your art portfolio or not.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟