Overview

We will cover fundamental topics in taxonomy: Why do organisms need to be named? What is the process of describing a new species? What is a species? Why do we need to have higher order classification? Does this need to represent evolutionary history of the organisms? What evidence can we used to identify species and their relationships? Is the nature of species the same in all kinds of organisms (animals, plants, microbes, fossils)? How do we deal with issues like hybrids?

Assessment Strategy

Threshold -A threshold student should demonstrate a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts presented in the module. Written work should show a basic ability to synthesise and interpret information from lectures and readings in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate the general capacity to organise acquired knowledge (Grade D or C; mark range 40-59%).

Good -A good student should show thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to cite examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and some information from background reading into coherent arguments (Grade B; mark range 60-69%).

Excellent -An excellent student should show a high level of detailed factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and information from extensive background reading in support of detailed, developed arguments (Grade A; mark range 70-100%).

Learning Outcomes

• Assess how the main principles and practices of cladistic biology in classification at species and higher levels perform in the light of examples of recent research.

• Critically evaluate a range species concepts in terms of their suitability in a range of situations in modern systematic biology.

• Critically examine the value of taxonomic knowledge in assessment and protection of biodiversity by summarising and analysing relevant examples of constraints on its advancement and implementation.

• Evaluate the contribution of the type concept, the principle of priority and other major rules of zoological classification (ICZN) towards developing a comprehensive universal classification of the living world.