๐ Topic Summary
Classification is how scientists organize living things into groups based on shared characteristics. Think of it like sorting your toys โ you might put all the cars in one box and all the dolls in another. Scientists use a system called taxonomy, which involves different levels like kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. This helps them understand the relationships between all living organisms on Earth and keep track of the incredible diversity of life. Let's practice what we've learned!
๐ง Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Kingdom |
A. A group of similar organisms that can reproduce together. |
| 2. Species |
B. The broadest classification group, such as animals or plants. |
| 3. Vertebrate |
C. An organism that makes its own food using sunlight. |
| 4. Invertebrate |
D. An animal with a backbone. |
| 5. Autotroph |
E. An animal without a backbone. |
Match them up!
๐ฑ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences using the words from the box:
Words: mammals, characteristics, animals, plants, classify
Scientists ________ living things based on their ________. ________ are one of the major kingdoms, and ________ like humans, are warm-blooded vertebrate ________ that have fur or hair and produce milk for their young.
๐ Part C: Critical Thinking
Why is it important for scientists to classify living things? Give at least two reasons.