(6th) Chapter 4 Lesson 2: Classifying Life

Chapter 4 Lesson 2: Classifying Life

6th Grade)

By Bryant Andrews

Classification - the process of grouping things based on their similarities.

​pg. 123

​

**** Biologists use classification to organize living things into groups so that the organisms are easier to study. ​

​

​

Taxonomy- the study of how organisms are classified

Binomial nomenclature- system of naming each and every organism

​

Binomial = two names​

Genus- is a classification grouping that contains similar closely related organisms.

​

The first word in an organism's scientific name is its genus.

​

Plural form = genera​

Species- group of similar organisms that can mate with each other and produce offspring that can also mate and reproduce.

​

The second word in an organism's scientific name often describes a distinctive feature of an organism (where it lives or its appearance). ​

pg. 126

​

*** A domain is the broadest level of organization. Within a domain, there are kingdoms. Within kingdoms, there are phylum. Within phlum are classes. Within classes are orders. Within orders are families. Each family contains one or more genera. Finally, each genus contains one or more species.

​

The more classification levels two organisms share, the more characteristics they have in common and the more closely related they are.​

pg. 128

​

*** Taxonomic keys are useful tools that help determine the identity of organisms.

• ​Domain- broadest level of organization

• Kingdom

• Phylum

• Class

• Order

• Family

• Genus

• Species​

​

Major Levels of Classification

​

Major Levels of Classification ​

​

• ​The more classification levels two organisms share, the more characteristics they have in common and the more closely related they are.​

• As you move down these levels of classification, the number or organisms decreases. The organisms that remain share more characteristics with one another and are more related. ​

Multiple Choice

Of all the classifications which is the broadest of them all?

• Kingdom

• Genus

• Domain

• Species

Multiple Choice

Which classification is the most specific?

• Kingdom

• Genus

• Domain

• Species

Multiple Choice

As you move down these levels of classification, the number or organisms does what?

• Increase

• Decrease

• Remain the same

• Multiplies

Observe

On a separate sheet of paper write down your answers .​

​

List the characteristics that organisms share at the kingdom level?

​

Characteristic - ​feature or quality that helps describe a person, place, or thing

Observe

​

​

List the characteristics that organisms share at the class level?

​

Characteristic - ​feature or quality that helps describe a person, place, or thing

Observe

​

​

List the characteristics that organisms share at the genus level?

​

Characteristic - ​feature or quality that helps describe a person, place, or thing

Draw Conclusion

​

​

How does the number of shared characteristics on your list change at each level?

​

Characteristic - ​feature or quality that helps describe a person, place, or thing

Interpret Diagram

​

​

Robins have more in common with

lions or owls???

​

​

Use this chart to help you identify each pictured organism on the next slide.

​

​Identifying Organisms

Using the chart from the previous slide, identify each pictured organism in #1 and answer questions #2 & #3.

​

Apply It!

Interpret Tables​

​

Click the below link to be added to the Google Classroom. We will use this classroom ONLY when the entire school is virtual.

https://classroom.google.com/c/NDU2MjExNjY3OTI4?cjc=jhg6ql7​

​

​6th Grade Virtual Google Classroom

​