Classification of living things Kingdoms Monera, Protista Biology SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Lesson Note: Classification of Living Things

Subject: Biology
Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 15-16 years

Topic: Classification of Living Things
Sub-topic: 1. Kingdom Monera 2. Kingdom Protista
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Define and explain the characteristics of the Kingdom Monera.
• Describe the Kingdom Protista and its features.
• Identify examples of organisms from both kingdoms and their significance.

Keywords:
Classification, Monera, Protista, Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, Bacteria, Algae.

Set Induction:
Start the lesson by asking students what they know about the different types of living organisms. Encourage them to share any experiences or knowledge they have regarding bacteria or single-celled organisms.

Entry Behaviour:
Students should have a basic understanding of living things and their characteristics from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Textbooks on Biology
• Whiteboard and markers
• Charts illustrating the classification of living things
• Microscopic images of Monera and Protista

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Connect the lesson to previous discussions on the characteristics of living things, emphasizing how classification helps us understand the diversity of life.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking: Analyze the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Observation: Use microscopes to observe different microorganisms.
• Communication: Discuss findings and collaborate with peers.

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Biology Scheme of Work
• Online resources on microbial life

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• “Biology for Senior Secondary Schools” by Ababio, O. Y.

Instructional Materials:

• Visual aids (posters and diagrams) of Monera and Protista
• PowerPoint presentations (if applicable)

Content

1. Kingdom Monera:

• Definition: Monera consists of prokaryotic organisms, which are single-celled and can be motile or non-motile.
• Characteristics:
  • No definite nucleus; genetic material is present in a nucleoid region.
  • Typically smaller in size compared to eukaryotic cells.
  • Reproduce asexually through binary fission.
• Examples:
  • Bacteria: Diverse group found in various environments, some of which are beneficial (e.g., gut bacteria) while others can cause diseases.
  • Blue-green Algae (Cyanobacteria): Photosynthetic bacteria that can perform photosynthesis and are important for oxygen production.

2. Kingdom Protista:

• Definition: Protista consists of eukaryotic organisms that are mostly single-celled, with complex cell structures and a defined nucleus.
• Characteristics:
  • Have membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus.
  • Can be motile (using flagella or cilia) or non-motile.
  • Exhibit diverse modes of nutrition (autotrophic or heterotrophic).
• Examples:
  • Chlamydomonas: A unicellular green alga that can perform photosynthesis and has two flagella for movement.
  • Amoeba: A motile organism that uses pseudopodia for movement and feeding.

Evaluation

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (15):

1. Kingdom Monera consists of __________ organisms. (a) multicellular (b) prokaryotic (c) eukaryotic (d) simple
2. Organisms in the Kingdom Monera have __________. (a) a definite nucleus (b) no nucleus (c) membrane-bound organelles (d) complex cells
3. __________ are examples of organisms in the Kingdom Monera. (a) Amoeba (b) Chlamydomonas (c) Bacteria (d) Paramecium
4. The genetic material in prokaryotes is located in a __________ region. (a) nuclear (b) cytoplasmic (c) nucleoid (d) ribosomal
5. The process of reproduction in Monera is usually __________. (a) sexual (b) asexual (c) binary (d) meiosis
6. Kingdom Protista includes __________ organisms. (a) prokaryotic (b) unicellular (c) multicellular (d) all of the above
7. Eukaryotic cells have __________. (a) no nucleus (b) a simple structure (c) membrane-bound organelles (d) all of the above
8. __________ is a unicellular green alga found in the Kingdom Protista. (a) Euglena (b) Paramecium (c) Chlamydomonas (d) Staphylococcus
9. Amoeba moves by using __________. (a) cilia (b) pseudopodia (c) flagella (d) spores
10. Blue-green algae are also known as __________. (a) Cyanobacteria (b) Euglena (c) Protists (d) Diatoms
11. The main difference between Monera and Protista is __________. (a) the size (b) the type of cells (c) the way they move (d) their habitat
12. Protists can be either __________ or __________. (a) motile, non-motile (b) small, large (c) harmful, beneficial (d) autotrophic, heterotrophic
13. __________ is an example of a motile protist. (a) Chlamydomonas (b) E. coli (c) Blue-green algae (d) Staphylococcus
14. The cell wall in Monera is primarily made of __________. (a) cellulose (b) chitin (c) peptidoglycan (d) protein
15. The study of microorganisms falls under the branch of __________. (a) botany (b) zoology (c) microbiology (d) ecology

Class Activity Discussion

FAQs with Answers (15):

1. What are the main characteristics of Kingdom Monera?
   • Monera consists of prokaryotic, single-celled organisms with no definite nucleus.
2. What types of organisms are found in Kingdom Protista?
   • Protista includes eukaryotic, mostly single-celled organisms with complex structures.
3. Can you name some examples of bacteria?
   • Examples include Escherichia coli and Streptococcus.
4. What is the role of blue-green algae in the environment?
   • They perform photosynthesis and produce oxygen.
5. How do prokaryotic organisms reproduce?
   • They typically reproduce asexually through binary fission.
6. What is a defining feature of eukaryotic cells?
   • They have a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
7. What is the function of pseudopodia in Amoeba?
   • Pseudopodia help in movement and engulfing food.
8. How do Chlamydomonas move?
   • They have two flagella that allow them to swim.
9. What is the importance of classification in biology?
   • Classification helps in organizing and understanding the diversity of life.
10. What distinguishes autotrophic protists from heterotrophic ones?
    • Autotrophic protists produce their own food, while heterotrophic ones consume other organisms.
11. What is the significance of studying Monera?
    • Understanding Monera is crucial for knowledge in medicine, agriculture, and ecology.
12. Why is Kingdom Protista considered complex?
    • Protists have a variety of cell types and modes of nutrition.
13. Can organisms in Monera be beneficial?
    • Yes, many bacteria are beneficial, such as those that aid in digestion.
14. What role do protists play in aquatic ecosystems?
    • They are primary producers and contribute to the food chain.
15. How does the complexity of eukaryotic cells benefit organisms?
    • It allows for specialization of functions and greater adaptability to environments.

Presentation

Step 1: Revise the previous lesson by discussing the characteristics of living things.
Step 2: Introduce the new topic on the classification of living things, focusing on the distinctions between Monera and Protista.
Step 3: Engage students in a discussion about the importance of microorganisms and their applications in various fields.

Activities

Teacher’s Activities:

• Present charts and diagrams of Monera and Protista.
• Facilitate interactive discussions and encourage students to ask questions.
• Provide hands-on activities, such as observing samples under a microscope if possible.

Learner’s Activities:

• Participate in discussions and group activities.
• Identify and classify organisms based on their characteristics.
• Complete evaluation questions.

Assessment

Evaluation Questions (10):

1. Define Kingdom Monera and provide an example.
2. Explain the difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
3. Describe an example of a protist and its significance.
4. What are the characteristics of Monera?
5. Why is the study of protists important in biology?
6. How do organisms in Kingdom Monera reproduce?
7. List two differences between Monera and Protista.
8. What is the role of blue-green algae in the ecosystem?
9. Discuss the significance of studying microorganisms.
10. Describe the movement mechanism of Amoeba.

Conclusion

The teacher will circulate around the classroom to assess students’ understanding by marking their answers and providing necessary feedback to reinforce the lesson on the classification of living things.