Biology Year 12 - Module 5 - Lesson 1

Reproduction and Continuity of Species

Use this worksheet after reading the lesson to practise the key ideas and prove you can meet the success criteria.

Name

Date

Class

1. Key Ideas

Cavendish bananas are propagated almost entirely by cloning. That makes global production efficient, but it also means one pathogen can threaten plantations across continents. Reproduction keeps a species going, but the way reproduction happens changes how resilient that species is to change.

How reproduction maintains continuity of a species.
Why sexual reproduction tends to increase variation.

2. Success Criteria

By the end, you should be able to:

How reproduction maintains continuity of a species.
The defining features of sexual and asexual reproduction.
Why inheritance of DNA is central to continuity.

3. Key Terms

ReproductionThe biological process by which organisms produce offspring and transfer hereditary information to the next generation.

Continuity of speciesThe ongoing existence of a species across generations through successful reproduction and inheritance of DNA.

Sexual reproductionReproduction involving fusion of gametes, usually from two parents, producing genetically variable offspring.

Asexual reproductionReproduction from one parent without gamete fusion, usually producing genetically identical offspring.

VariationDifferences in characteristics between individuals in a population, often linked to differences in alleles.

GameteA haploid sex cell, such as a sperm or egg, that fuses during fertilisation.

4. Activity: Build the Lesson Map

Use the lesson to complete the table. Keep answers brief but specific.

Prompt	Your answer
Main concept
Important example
Common mistake to avoid
How this links to the next lesson

5. Short Answer Questions

1. Explain this lesson goal in your own words: "How reproduction maintains continuity of a species.". Use one specific example from the lesson.

Band 32 marks

2. Apply this idea to a new example: "The defining features of sexual and asexual reproduction.". Show your reasoning clearly.

Band 43 marks

3. Analyse why this idea matters for understanding Reproduction and Continuity of Species: "Why inheritance of DNA is central to continuity.".

Band 54 marks

6. Extend: Apply the Idea

Band 5/65 marks

A student gives a memorised answer about Reproduction and Continuity of Species but does not use evidence or reasoning.

Improve the answer by writing a stronger response that uses accurate terminology, a relevant example and a clear explanation.

7. Multiple Choice

1. What is the best first step when answering a question about Reproduction and Continuity of Species?

A. Identify the key concept being tested

B. Write every fact from memory

C. Ignore the command word

D. Skip examples and evidence

2. Which answer would show stronger understanding of Reproduction and Continuity of Species?

A. An answer with accurate terms and reasoning

B. A copied definition only

C. A single-word response

D. An answer with no example

3. What should you do if a question asks you to explain?

A. Link the idea to a reason or cause

B. List unrelated facts

C. Only draw a diagram

D. Write the shortest possible answer

8. Success Criteria Proof

Finish with evidence that you can do each success criterion.

Success criterion 1

Prove that you can: How reproduction maintains continuity of a species.