Question

Qe studied organism diversity using different scales-of- study: A) organism classification scales e.g. -Domains, Supergroups, Kingdoms and Phyla; and B) Time frame(s) like the geological. But have we C) studied organism diversity on different spatial scales? In particular, is spatial scale relevant to the study of Opishokont or Archaeplastida diversification? Develop an answer to C): first, in 1 paragraph with examples, summarize how and why we used different classification scales to study diversity (3 marks); in the next paragraph briefly describe the geological time scale by describing differences between eons, eras and periods (3 marks); in your final paragraph, contrast and compare the importance of spatial scales in studying diversification of Chlorophytes or Animals (4 marks).

explicit boundaries on the inferences we make. For example, I trust it that you would conclude that population- projections that you studied in Biol 226 if applied to fossil occurrence in a rock layer from one geological period would be of questionable value. The data required for population projections is simply not there. I had a question from a thoughtful student who was puzzling over which of 2 (and there are many) definitions of spatial scale would apply. An important first step. The next step is to ask which (if any) apply to what we have studied in Biol 227. It might also be useful to recall the scaling implicit in your understanding of biological hierarchies – cells to the biosphere, and the explicit scaling of diversity in Biol 226 for example – populations, species, communities, biomes, ecosystems and biosphere. Which was implicit and explicit in our Biol 227 coursework? We used habitat to help characterize different Arthropod Subphyla, for example. This student also noted the size-relative scaling of organism spatial scales - an important distinction I hope you all will consider. Your gut alone has its own micro-organism ecosystem.

In short, you could consider the focal classification and cladistic scales, size scales, habitat and any other explicit or implicit environmental scale we discussed in Biol 227 when you answer whether some understanding of spatial scale(s) at which we studied one or the other clade are necessary to understand the development of current consensus diversification models of Chlorophytes or Animals.

Answer 1