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IB Biology HL A3.1.12 Hl Difficulties with Biological Species Concept Questions

The biological species concept does not apply well to asexual organisms. Bacteria gain diversity through mutation and horizontal gene transfer; transformation, plasmids and recombination can blur bacterial species boundaries.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Explain why the biological species concept does not apply well to asexual organisms.
  • Explain how mutation and horizontal gene transfer create diversity in bacteria.
  • Explain how transformation, plasmids and recombination blur bacterial species boundaries.

IB Biology HL A3.1.12 Hl Difficulties with Biological Species Concept Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The gut of a healthy human contains more than 1000 species of bacteria. Some of these species are shown in the cladogram.

Figure for Question IB Biology HL A3.1.12 Hl Difficulties with Biological Species Concept Questions question 1 — IB Biology HL

Outline a difficulty in applying the biological species concept to bacteria.

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