Classification

1. Classification Monday, April 4th Study Pack #4

2. Today’s Goals… • I can explain what classification is. • I can explain how and why scientists classify living things. • I can identify organisms using dichotomous keys.

3. Classification • Imagine a grocery store… • How are they organized? • What would happen if they were not organized? • How are other things in your life organized?

4. Classification • Imagine all the different kinds of organisms on Earth from bacteria to plants to animals… • Scientists need a way to keep them all organized so that they are easier to study! • Classification is the process of grouping things based on their similarities

5. Classification • Taxonomy is the scientific study of how living things are classified. • Classification is useful because it helps scientists: • Know more about the characteristics of organisms • Understand relationships between organisms • Identify unknown organisms

6. Levels of Classification • Organisms are classified into groups called Kingdoms • Example: Plant, Animal • Then they are classified into even smaller groups • There are seven levels of classification

7. Levels of Classification Kingdombroadest level Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species most specific level

8. Levels of Classification • Remember this phrase: • King Phillip Came Over For Good Soup

9. Scientific Names • Organisms are given scientific names based on a system called Binomial Nomenclature • Organisms are given 2 names • Latin words • Genus + Species • Genus is capitalized; species is not • Words are italicized • Example: Homo sapiens (humans); Felisconcolor(mountain lion)

10. Try it…. • Let’s create a classification system for your clothes! • Now create a classification system for the animals below: • Bamboo shark • Robin • Horse • Rattlesnake

11. Using the Classification System • Field guides help identify organisms. • they highlight differences between similar organisms (like trees) • Taxonomic Key (AKA Dichotomous Key) • paired statements that describe the physical characteristics of different organisms

12. Using the Classification System • How to use a taxonomic/dichotomous key • Start by reading the first two statements (1a and 1b) • The two statements are opposites • Decide which statement applies • Follow the direction at the end of the statement • Continue this process until you have learned the organism’s identity!

13. Dichotomous Key • 1.Fruits occur singly ....................................................... Go to 3 • 1' Fruits occur in clusters of two or more ......................... Go to 2 • 2. Fruits are round ....................................................... Grapes • 2' Fruits are elongate ................................................... Bananas • 3. Thick skin that separates easily from flesh .............Oranges • 3' Thin skin that adheres to flesh .............................. Go to 4 • 4. More than one seed per fruit ............................ Apples • 4' One seed per fruit ............................................ Go to 5 • 5. Skin covered with velvety hairs .................... Peaches • 5' Skin smooth, without hairs ........................... Plums

14. Dichotomous Key 1a. Organism has 4 legs Go to # 2 1b. Organism has more than 4 legs Go to # 20 2a. Organism has a tail Go to # 3 2b. Organism has no tail Go to # 35 3a. Organism has stripes Bengal Tiger 3b. Organism has no stripes African Lion

15. Dichotomous Key • Try this one: 1a. Organism walks on all 4 legs (quadruped) 2 1b. Organism walks on 2 legs (biped) 8 2a. Organism has visible fur 3 2b. Organism has no visible fur 20 3a. Organism lives in warm climates 7 3b. Organism lives in cold climates 4 4a. Organism has brown or black fur Ursusamericanus 4b. Organism has white fur Ursusmaritimus