Classifying Living Things

Part 1

May 28, 2020

Learning Target: I can understand how living things are classified.

I can understand how to use a Dichotomous key to

identify organisms.

Criteria For Success

● Understand how living things are organized

● Classify organisms based on observable characteristics

● Define taxonomy & binomial nomenclature

● Outline the levels of classification within taxonomy

● Identify common characteristics among some common taxonomic

groups

● Use taxonomy to determine the relationship among a group of

given organisms

● Understand how to use a dichotomous key

Do Now: Classifying

Think about one of the various rooms in a home.

Describe, in complete sentences, how things in this room can be

organized.

Garage Dining Room

Tool Box # 53-

Classification

I Classify = group/arrange things according to similarities

II Taxonomy- the branch of science that deals with classifying

organisms;

- began by Carolus Linnaeus, a botanist who was

known for “naming nature”

- he created Binomial Nomenclature, a system

which gave every living thing a two –word scientific name ,based

on observable characteristics/behaviors

Let’s Watch the Brain Pop Video clip

“Classification”

https://www.brainpop.com/science/diversityoflife/classification/

Create your 3-2-1 chart while watching!

UN- Spartan51

PW- brainpop

III Taxonomy Levels/Groups

Tool Box #53 Continued

MNEMONIC

DARING

KING

PHILIP

CARRIED

OVER

FIVE

GOLDEN

SWORDS

Example of The Classification for a Leopard

As you move down the chart, the groups get smaller, yet the

organisms with each group are more similar!

Check For Understanding- What do you think?Classifying Organisms

Describe what these things have in common. How are they different?

If you had to group /classify them, how would you do it? Explain

Classifying Living Things

Part 2

May 28, 2020

Tool Box # 53 Continued

IV- In order to identify organisms scientists can use:

1) Dichotomous keys= a detailed list of

identifying characteristics that include scientific

names.

2) Field Guides = a detailed book containing descriptions &

illustrations of similar organisms/ their habitat etc.

Let’s Watch a Video Clip to Help Us Better Understand

How to Use a Dichotomous Key!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x7tuIZd4Sw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M51AKJqx-7sVideo #1

Video #2

Example: If we were to use this dichotomous key correctly,

we should arrive at the following answers:

Platyspiza Certhidea CamarhynchusGeospiza

Check For Understanding -Now You Try- Identify the 4 various insects by using the key below.

Remember, do one at a time, observe each bug carefully and follow the steps in order until you arrive at its

name.

Now Try Again! - Identify the 8 various leaves by using the key below.

Remember, do one at a time, observe each leaf carefully and follow the steps in order until you

arrive at its name. A is done for you!

Magnolia

Exit Slip

● Taxonomy is important to science

because……………….

● Taxonomy is important to science but

…………………….

● Taxonomy is important to science

so……………………..

Enrichment- Using the key below, identify each of the 9 fish.