How Does Inheritance Impact Diversity?
In this unit students explore reproduction and the transmission of biological information from generation to generation and the impact this has on species diversity. They apply their understanding of chromosomes to explain the process of meiosis. Students consider how the relationship between genes, and the environment and epigenetic factors influence phenotypic expression. They explain the inheritance of characteristics, analyse patterns of inheritance, interpret pedigree charts and predict outcomes of genetic crosses.
Students analyse the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual
reproductive strategies, including the use of reproductive cloning
technologies. They study structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations
that enhance an organism’s survival. Students explore interdependences between
species, focusing on how keystone species and top predators structure and
maintain the distribution, density and size of a population. They also consider
the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and
perspectives in understanding the survival of organisms in Australian
ecosystems.
■ Area of Study 1: How Is Inheritance Explained?
In this area of study students describe the production of gametes in sexual reproduction through the key events in meiosis. They explore the nature of chromosomes and the use of genetic language to read and interpret patterns of inheritance and predict outcomes of genetic crosses.
Students explain how a characteristic or trait can be influenced by one gene, many genes acting together, and genes interacting with external environmental or epigenetic factors. They apply their genetic knowledge to analyse pedigree charts, determine patterns of inheritance and predict outcomes of genetic crosses.
■ Area of Study 2: How Do Inherited Adaptations Impact on Diversity?
In this area of study students analyse the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction and investigate the use and application of reproductive cloning technologies. Students explore the biological importance of genetic diversity and the structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations that enable species to survive in an ecosystem.
Students explore the interdependencies between species, including the importance and impact of keystone species and top predators. They consider the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives to the understanding of the adaptations of, and interdependencies between, species in Australian ecosystems.
