6.2.5 Life Science Practice

6.2.5 Classification of Living Things

- Describe what a species is and the hierarchy of classification groups

- Explain how and why organisms are classified.

- Develop and use models to classify organisms.

Classification based on TRAITS

• Similar traits mean they have similar DNA

• Easier to observe traits than comparing DNA that cause them

Why Classify?

• Make it clear which organisms are placed in each group

• Understand how different organisms are related

• Make it easier to communicate about organisms

Multiple Select

What are TWO reasons scientists classify organisms into groups?

• To make it easier to communicate about organisms

• To make sure scientists get credit for their discoveries

• To understand why different organisms exist on Earth

• To understand how different organisms are related

Multiple Choice

True or False: Organisms are classified according to TRAITS because it's easier than comparing DNA

• True

• False

SPECIES

• Have very similar DNA (common ancestor)

• Produce offspring that can reproduce with each other (i.e. not donkey and horse)

• Two-part scientific name - name of the genus and descriptor word

Multiple Choice

What factor is used to identify whether or not TWO ORGANISMS are members of the SAME SPECIES?

• Live in the same place

• Have similar names

• Look almost identical to each other

• Produce offspring that are also able to reproduce

Branching Diagram

• Shows how groups of living things are related through evolution (over time)

• Uses lines to represent the recent ancestors

Multiple Choice

Which two animals share the most traits?

• Sharks & salmon

• Frogs & birds

• Reptiles & birds

Multiple Choice

Which two organisms share the most traits?

• Shark & salmon

• Shark & bear

• Bird & Bear

Multiple Choice

Which animal should be in the #1 place?

• Bird

• Frog

• Salmon

• Shark

Multiple Choice

Which animal should be in the #5 spot?

• Bird

• Frog

• Salmon

• Shark

Dichotomous Key

• Used to identify organisms

• Based on observable traits

• Start with #1, read to the right, and follow the directions

Multiple Choice

Which type of tree did this leaf come from?

• Cactus

• Fir

• Elm

• English Oak

Multiple Choice

What trait do turtles and frogs have in common?

• Has a backbone

• Has wings

• Does not have wings

• Has legs

Multiple Choice

What trait do insects and spiders have in common?

• Has a backbone

• Does not have a backbone

• Has wings

• Does not have wings