Classification of Life

How do we make sense of the diversity of life?

Carl Linnaeus published a system for classifying living things, which developed into the modern classification system. This science of classification is called taxonomy.

Taxonomy is the process of ordering living things into a system that allows scientists to identify and sort them.

Whāinga/Purpose:

Learning intention: To demonstrate an understanding of the classification of life

Success criteria: Describe the classification and habitat of selected insect, fish and mammal species

Hei Mahi/Do now!

What's in a name?

Both of these are commonly called a 'mouse'.

Why do we give organisms a scientific name?

What is this made up of?

Naming organismsDr Peter Buchanan and Dr Robert Hoare, of Landcare Research NZ Ltd, introduce the classification system that scientists use to identify and name organisms.

Classification or Taxonomy

All life is organized into different taxonomic groups according to the features of an organism.

A taxonomic group is a hierarchy that organisms are sorted into and reflects their evolutionary relationships or how closely related they are to each other. For example, kingdom animalia.

In comparison, a functional group is merely a set of species, or collection of organisms, that share alike characteristics within a community. For example, types of feeders.

Originally taxonomy was based on characteristics or features and is now also based on genetic analysis. Several New Zealand species have been reclassified as a result of this, for example kiwi.

MAHI/ACTIVITY:

Prepare an insect mihi to understand how classification systems work.
Watch the classification video below and complete the worksheet shared with you. The last video covers the
Develop a (marine) classification system.

You may wish to take additional notes in a method that suits you, for example, concept mapping or taking organized notes.

Use the resources below.

Rauemi/Resources: