‹ Biology simulationsBiology · A Level 9700 · 18 Classification, biodiversity and conservationEight 3D simulations covering Topic 18.1 Classification, 18.2 Biodiversity and 18.3 Conservation. Define species, classify organisms and viruses, sample a meadow, run a transect, estimate a population, test threats and explore conservation methods.
Biologists use three species concepts. Each works for some organisms but has problems with others.
All living things belong to three domains. Compare Archaea and Bacteria, then classify a lion through the hierarchy.
| Archaea | Bacteria | |
|---|---|---|
| membrane lipids | ether-linked, branched chains | ester-linked, unbranched fatty acids |
| ribosomal RNA | different base sequences, more like Eukarya | distinct bacterial sequences |
| cell walls | no peptidoglycan | peptidoglycan (murein) |
Click an example of each kingdom of Eukarya, then see how viruses are classified.
Place quadrats at random coordinates in a meadow, count each species, then calculate Simpson's index of diversity, D = 1 − Σ(n/N)².
| species | n | (n/N)² |
|---|
A belt transect runs from woodland into an open field. Record light intensity and the abundance of a plant in each quadrat, then test for a correlation.
Estimate a population of beetles that move about. Catch and mark some, release them, then catch a second sample and count the marked ones. N = n₁ × n₂ ÷ m₂.
Apply a threat to a population and watch its numbers. Then read why biodiversity matters.
Endangered species are protected in many ways, from national parks and seed banks to IVF, embryo transfer and international agreements.
Eight interactive 3D simulations for Cambridge A Level Biology 9700 topic 18 Classification, biodiversity and conservation: the biological, morphological and ecological species concepts, the three domains and the taxonomic hierarchy, the eukaryote kingdoms and the classification of viruses, random quadrats with Simpson's index of diversity, a belt transect with Spearman's and Pearson's correlation, mark-release-recapture with the Lincoln index, causes of extinction, and conservation from national parks and seed banks to IVF, IUCN and CITES.
Eight 3D simulations covering Topic 18.1 Classification, 18.2 Biodiversity and 18.3 Conservation. Define species, classify organisms and viruses, sample a meadow, run a transect, estimate a population, test threats and explore conservation methods.
Classification, biodiversity and conservation is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology 9700 (topic 18 Classification, biodiversity and conservation). The course is assessed in Paper 1 (Multiple choice), Paper 2 (AS structured), Paper 3 (Advanced practical), Paper 4 (A Level structured), Paper 5 (Planning, analysis, evaluation). Syllabus for examination in 2025-2027. There are 8 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.
Full syllabus map: A Level Biology 9700 topic 18.
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