Module #12: Classification and Taxonomy
(Biological Evolution & Classification)
8B: (Readiness Standard) Categorize organisms using a hierarchical classification system based on similarities and differences shared among groups.
Purpose: To reinforce your understanding of taxonomy and hierarchical classification system.
Procedures:
-Define the following terms
-Answer the following questions
-Do the given activities provided
Terms:
- Adaptation
- Binomial Nomenclature
- Biological Influences
- Dichotomous Key
- Heritable
- Hierarchical Classification
- Parallel Evolution
- Physical Influences
- Speciation
- Taxonomy
- Variation
Pre-Assessment Question:
How can a biologist tell if two organisms belong to the same kingdom?
Activities and Questions:
1. Locate the envelope containing the Domain and Kingdom cards. Make sure you have plenty of space on your table, then place the domain cards in a row as shown, with Archaea on the left.
2. Place the Kingdom Characteristics cards beneath the domains to which they belong. Use the Domain–Kingdom Arrows to indicate precisely the domain to which each kingdom belongs.
3. Now, select a kingdom characteristics card from the envelope and place it under the appropriate kingdom (see below). Continue until all of the cards are correctly placed. Leave these cards in place.
4. The Kingdom Characteristics cards are shown below in random order. Referring to your work in Activity 3, write the name of the kingdom that best fits the characteristics listed in the space at the top of each column.
5. Locate the Organism Cards envelope. Examine the pictures of the different organisms and discuss their characteristics with your team. Determine the kingdom to which each organism belongs and place each organism picture under the appropriate kingdom card. (You may need to take up the Kingdom Characteristics Cards to make room.)
6. Fill in the six kingdoms in the top row of the table. Then, referring to your work in Activity 5, list the names of the organisms that belong to each kingdom in the columns below.
7. Did using only pictures (models) of the organisms make it difficult to determine which kingdom the organisms belonged to?
8. Select an organism from one of the kingdoms and explain why you placed it in that kingdom.
9. Locate the Taxonomy Cards and arrange them on the Hierarchical Classification System sheet. The card that represents the largest number of organisms should be placed at the top of the column. Record your results below.
10. Why is it important to scientists to have a standardized classification system?