1. MY BACKYARD ORGANISMS BY A.N. Other

2. INTRODUCTION Initially the object of the project was to identify common organisms found in my own backyard. After the identification I was encouraged to learn more about classification and why scientists give organisms those long complicated names. Finally learnt about dichotomous keys, and I created a key of my organisms to help others identify what is in their backyard.

3. EASTERN COTTONTAIL Sylvilagus floridanus Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Lagomorpha Family: Leporidae Genus: Sylvilagus Species: floridanusAnimaliaChordataMammaliaLagomorphaLeporidaeSylvilagus Description: Animal. Mammal. Endothermic. Brown grey hair, large ears, short tail herbivore, burrowing, large front teeth.

4. DOGWOOD TREE Cornus florida Kingdom: Plantae Division:Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Cornales Family: Cornaceae Genus: Cornus Species: floridaPlantaeMagnoliophytaMagnoliopsidaCornalesCornaceaeCornus Description Small deciduous tree. White flower spring 4 petals. Leaves rounded brightly colored in the fall. Red berries

5. TREE FROG Hyla cinerea KINGDOM: Animalia PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Amphibia ORDER: Anura FAMILY: Ranidae GENUS: Hyla SPECIES: cinerea Description Animal. Ectothermic. Lives in water and on land. Small nocturnal frog. Large black eyes. Distinctive nares. Green color yellowish underneath.

6. HUMMINGBIRD Archhilochus colubris Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Apodiformes Family: TrochilidaeAnimaliaChordataAvesApodiformes Genus: Archilochus Species: colubris Description Animal. Endothermic. Tiny bird. Feathers, long thin beak, nectar feeders. Males have a red throat green back feathers. Migratory.

7. SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA Magnolia grandiflora Kingdom:Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: MagnoliopsidaPlantaeMagnoliophyta Order: Ranales Family: Magnoliaceae Genus: Magnolia Species: grandifloraMagnoliaceae Description Plant. Coniferous tree. Large shiny broad leaves. Large white flowers in the spring/summer. Red cone shape berries.

8. CITATIONS Catalogue of Life : 2008 Annual Checklist : Search. 29 Dec. 2008. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 29 Dec. 2008.