Part 1:
We are going to take a different look at the ANIMAL KINGDOM. Along the way, you will see a variety of creatures….be sure to keep watch for them. By the end of this web quest:
- You should know of different ways to classify living things
- You should be able to compare the characteristics of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish
- You will be able to identify an arthropod, invertebrate and vertebrate
- You will be able to identify a microorganism and describe how it meets its basic needs
Classification is the process of organizing things into groups. Today we will be using a classification system. Classification systems are all around us and are used to help us make sense of the world and to bring order.
Step 1:
First, scientists classify objects as to whether they are living or non-living. For this webquest we are only going to deal with living things, so take a look at the selected animals below and sort these living things in a way that makes sense to you. Record your groupings in part (a) of Activity Sheet #1.
|
TIGER |
SNAKE |
TREE |
BACTERIA |
|
FLOWER |
MUSHROOMS |
DOG |
BEE |
|
SQUID |
FISH |
EAGLE |
FROG |
|
OWL |
SLIME MOLD |
CROCODILE |
RAT |
What characteristic did you use to group these animals? Please answer this question below your chart in the space provided (a).
Scientists use properties or characteristics of living things when they are classifying, too. They might use such factors as appearance, structure, motility (how it moves around), habitat and its use. Look at your options again and group them a second time using one of these properties. Record your work on the (b) section of Activity Sheet #1 and remember to state which characteristic or property you used for classifying.
Step 2:
This classification system is called the ‘ Kingdoms of Living Things‘ or the ‘Linnaean Classification System‘ (Carl Linnaeusand) it is the basis of what scientists use today. Of course, the classifying of living things is constantly revised as scientists gather new knowledge. To date, over a million different kinds of animals have been classified and scientists think that there may be another million species of animals that haven’t been discovered yet. Below you will find the six kingdoms used in this classification system.ARCHAEA BACTERIA PROTISTA FUNGI PLANTAE ANIMALIA
Initially, after clicking on the first link, you will need to click on the “Six Kingdoms of Life” link to look at each type of kingdom. Once you are there, you can begin to fill in the chart using the information given. When it asks for the type of cell on the chart, you will click on the link beside “cell type” and find out what the scientific term that is given means. Then write down that simplified version in the chart. The second website below will provide you with the rest of the information that you need to complete the chart. All you have to do is find the Kingdom name in the paragraph and click on it to find out more about it. Now you are ready to follow the links below and complete the chart on Activity Sheet #2
http://www.biology.about.com/od/evolution/a/aa091004@htm
&
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kingdom_(biology)
Step 3:
Using the information you have recorded on Activity Sheet #2 as a reference, go back to the items you sorted originally on Activity Page #1 and sort them again according to which kingdom they belong. Record your classification scheme on Activity Sheet #3.
Mr. McClung