Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
In this lesson you will:
classify animals based on structural features
explain why relying on only structrual features causes problems
practise using and creating dichotomous keys
be introduced to some key terms needed to understand our current system of binomial classification.
Inquiry question and intentions
Inquiry question and intentions
Inquiry question:
How can we create systems of classification?
Learning intentions
To know that you can classify a variety of living things based on similarities and differences in structural features.
To understand that there can be difficulties in classifying living things just by their structural features.
To be able to create and use keys to identify objects and living things.
To be able to learn some of the key terms used to help classify living things.
Activity 1 - Classification based on structural features of living things
Activity 1 - Classification based on structural features of living things
What is a structural feature?
What is a structural feature?
It is how the animal is built or what it looks like. For example, all birds have wings, feathers, a beak, light bones, tail feathers, no external ears, claws etc.
Look at the images of the animals below. (If you want to, you can click on the image to watch a video with more information about the animal.)
Use the Comparing structural features of animals Google Doc to complete a table comparing the similarities and differences between some of their structural features. (Part 1)
Complete some questions in Part 2 of the activity document to think about alternatives to structural features.
Note: An example and a start have been made for you. Can you complete it for 3 more structural features?
Click on the button to open a new tab and view the Google Doc.
Click on the Use Template button to create a copy for you to edit.
Frigatebird
Frigatebird
Public domain (CC0)
Marine iguana
Marine iguana
Public domain (CC0)
Activity 2 - Using keys to identify living things
Activity 2 - Using keys to identify living things
This image is a classification key. It has been designed to help us classify and identify all animals.
Keys like this are often called dichotomous key because at each branch or decision point they usually offer 2 choices (di = two, chotomy = separate). This key however, is polychotomous because it sometimes offers 3 choices.
(c) Phil Hardeep. Used with permission. Link to screen readable version
Task 1 - Creating a dichotomous key
Task 1 - Creating a dichotomous key
Let's go back to our kitchen utensil example.
(c) Ben Surwald. Use with permission.
Using the features you see, or their structural features, create a dichotomous key (2 choices) for these kitchen utensils. A start has been made for you. You need to classify each one.
Complete this task by using the Kitchen utensil dichotomous key activity template.
Click on the button to open a new tab and view the Google Doc.
Click on the Use Template button to create a copy for you to edit.
Task 2 - Using a key
Task 2 - Using a key
Let's look at our animal classification key again.
By looking at the choices for each animal group we can create a list of characteristics unique to that animal type.
For example, reptiles:
are scaly
lay eggs
breathe air by lungs
have a variable body temperature
have a backbone
can be seen without a microscope.
In your exercise book or folder, complete the following:
List the characteristics of placental mammals:
List the characteristics of an animal of your choosing.
What animal lives in water and has tentacles with stinging cells?
What are the differences and similarities between a bird and a mammal?
(c) Phil Hardeep. Used with permission. Link to screen readable version
Activity 3 - An introduction to classification terminology for living things
Activity 3 - An introduction to classification terminology for living things
Watch the video, Classification.
As you watch (you will need to pause as you go) complete the interactive to match the key terms with their definition.
Classification
Duration: 7:41
Extension - Further explorations
Extension - Further explorations
Task 1
Task 1
Watch the video, Taxonomy: Life's Filing System - Crash Course Biology #19.
As you watch complete the 3-2-1 activity.
Click on the button to open a new tab and view the Google Doc.
Click on the Use Template button to create a copy for you to edit.
Taxonomy: Life's Filing System - Crash Course Biology #19
Duration: 12:15
Task 2 - Another key
Task 2 - Another key
Create a classification key to classify the animals from the Galapagos Island you looked at in Activity 1. Can you use a dichotomous key or do you need a polychotomous one?
Exit slip
Exit slip
Handing in your work
Handing in your work
Don't forget to hand in the work you completed today!
Your teacher will have told you to do one of the following:
Upload any digital documents you created and any photos you took of your written work to your Learning Management system (MS Teams, Google Classroom for example).
Email any digital documents you created and any photos you took of your written work to your teacher.
Make sure you keep any hand written work you did in your exercise book or folder as your teacher may need to see these when you are back in class.
Student reflection
Student reflection
Page updated
Report abuse