1. Unit V: Classification
Ms. Buechler
Int. Sci. 4/Biology

2. EW

3. What is Classification??
There are over 2.5 million kinds of organisms, ranging from single-celled organisms to multi- cellular we need a way grouping organisms into logical categories so that we can systematically name them.
Classify= group ideas, information or objects based on similarities and differences

4. What is Classification?
Biological classification systems have 2 features:
assigns a universally accepted name to each organism allows scientists to exchange info/ideas regardless of language differences.
places organisms into groups with real meaning all members of a group share similar characteristics.

5. What is Classification?
Aristotle was the 1st to classify organisms he divided organisms into 2 categories plants or animals
Plants Animals
Size Structure Air Land Sea
This was a difficult system to standardize, with ridiculously long names…

6. What is Classification?
Carolus Linnaeus was a Swedish botanist that developed a better system for naming organisms, which is still used today Binomial Nomenclature (means “two names”)
organisms are given a two-part Latin scientific name
The 1st name represents the organisms Genus, which are a group of organism with similar characteristics that are closely related
The 2nd name represents the organisms Species, which are a group of organisms that share similar characteristics and can breed with one another to produce viable offspring.
Ex> Canis Lupis=gray wolf
Ex>Acer rubrum= red maple

7. What is Classification?
Taxonomy= the science of classifying and naming organisms the groups that Linnaeus assigned organism were called taxa

8. What is Classification??
Gray Wolf
Kingdom= Animalia
Phylum= Mammalia
Class=Chordata
Order=Carnivora
Family= Canidae
Genus= Canis
Species=Lupus
Scientific Name= Canis Lupus
Classification Video

9. Alien Classification Directions
Assume one ancestral alien (top of tree)
Separate your aliens into two large groups what is the most important distinguishing characteristic?
Body Markings v. No Markings?
Arms v. No Arms?
Eyes v. No Eyes?
Begin making your tree - each time it branches, only make 2 new branches
On each branch, write what characteristic you are using to determine the branching
At each branch end, glue one alien
Branches do not need to be the same length or have the same number of "steps"

10. Alien Classification Directions
Assume one ancestral alien (top of tree)
Separate your aliens into two large groups what is the most important distinguishing characteristic?
Body Markings v. No Markings?
Arms v. No Arms?
Eyes v. No Eyes?
Begin making your tree - each time it branches, only make 2 new branches
On each branch, write what characteristic you are using to determine the branching
At each branch end, glue one alien
Branches do not need to be the same length or have the same number of "steps"

11. Alien Classification Directions
Answer the following on the back of your Alien Classification Tree:
1. How did you decide how to group the aliens?
2. How could the tree be used to help identify aliens?
3. How can you use your tree to determine which aliens are probably more closely related?

12. Classification Keys Lab
Classification Keys.doc