Strand 1: Diversity, Change and Continuity cont.
Life exists in a wide variety of forms which live in different niches. This section enables learners to be
exposed to an array of life forms from microorganisms to macroscopic plants and animals. These are
organised according to a man-made system of classification based on observable features. Learners
explore the roles of organisms in an ecosystem including microorganisms that are a major cause of
diseases. This strand also includes some evolutionary development in plant and animal phyla.
TOPIC
Biodiversity of
Plants
(3 weeks 12 hours)
(Focus on the
Developmental
Lines and Not
on In-Depth
Studies of
Life Cycles.
Learners
should have
a basic
understanding
of Phylogenetic
Trees as
reconstructions
of evolutionary
pathways) and
cladograms
Reproduction
in Plants
CONTENT
Grouping of bryophytes,
pteridophytes,
gymnosperms and
angiosperms according to
the presence/absence of:
- vascular tissue (xylem
and phloem)
- true leaves and roots
- seeds or spores
- fruit.
Decreasing dependence
on water for
reproduction from
Bryophytes to
Angiosperms
Asexual and sexual
reproduction, name
advantages and
disadvantages of each.
• Flowers as
reproductive structures
Adaptations for
pollination through
(different
pollinators) wind, insects
and birds (South African
examples only)
differences and
similarities.
The Significance of Seeds
- seed banks;
- seeds as a food source;
and
- endemic species in
South Africa.
INVESTIGATIONS
Observe and draw
relevant macroscopic
parts to
provide examples of
each of the following
divisions:
- bryophytes: moss
plant
- pteridophytes:
rhizome, frond with
sori
- gymnosperms:
needles, cones and
seeds; and
- angiosperms: flower,
fruit and seeds
Draw a phylogenetic
tree showing the
evolutionary
history of the four
plant groups and major
structural
changes in their history
of development.
• Dissect an example
of each of the
following types of
flowers:
- wind pollinated
- insect pollinated
- bird pollinated.
Record observations in
a comparative table.
Optional: Germinate
seeds: record process.
RESOURCES
Video Introduction to
Plant groups
(download to
computer as it is 15
min long but VERY
useful)
Telematics PP on
Plant diversity in
English and Afrikaans
by Lorraine Kuun
Telematics PP on
reproduction in Plants
and Animals by
Lorraine Kuun –VERY
useful
Reproduction in
flowering plants – 3
very useful PP’s from
Lorraine Kuun –
information on
pollinators and seed
banks included
1.Reproduction in
Flowering Plants Part 1
2. Reproduction in
Flowering Plants Part 2
3. Reproduction in
Flowering Plants Part 3
Life cycles in
plants – another very
useful PP from
Lorraine Kuun
Plant biodiversity
– good for background,
including evolutionary
relationships and some
diagrams
Life cycle of
plants from Spark
notes
Life cycle of
mosses – great
interactive animation
Life cycle of
angiosperms -– great
interactive animation
Useful links from
SANBI