5th Grade Science
Dynamics of Classification
Unit 2
Unit 2: Dynamics of Classification
How are animals classified?
Have you ever seen an animal and thought about its traits? Like how big it is, how furry it is, and how it behaves?
Animals are normally grouped by their characteristics, or traits. The two major groups of animals are invertebrates, or animals without backbones, and vertebrates, animals with backbones.
Here are some key terms when learning about classification that you should know!
Organism
A living thing made up of one or more cells and able to carry on the activities of life (as using energy, growing, or reproducing).
Kingdom
The second highest classification into which living organisms are grouped. Currently there are five kingdoms. Living things are placed into certain kingdoms based on how they obtain their food, the types of cells that make up their body, and the number of cells they contain.
Species
The most specific classification of living things consisting of closely related organisms capable of interbreeding.
Vertebrates
There are five main groups of vertebrates--or, animals with backbones--fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Invertebrates
Invertebrates are animals without backbones. Did you know that over 97 percent of all animals are invertebrates?
Arthropods
Now that you're familiar with invertebrates, let's dive deeper and learn about arthropods! Arthropods make up 75% of invertebrates and all have several qualities in common: jointed legs, bodies divided into sections, and an exoskeleton, or shell.
Cold-blooded/Ectothermic
To have an internal body temperature that changes in accordance with the temperature of the surroundings.
Amphibians are cold-blooded. An amphibian is an ectothermic, smooth-skinned vertebrate that hatches from an egg laid in water.
Warm-blooded/Endothermic
To have a constant warm internal body temperature.
Mammals are warm-blooded. A mammal is an endothermic vertebrate that has hair and produces milk for its young
Every time you go outside or look out your window, try and spot as many animals as you can, and try to guess if they are cold-blooded, or warm-blooded! Make sure to write it down so you remember which animal belongs in which group.
Take a look at this diagram to the left. This is (in order) how animals are classified. These are the different levels.
As you can see, species is the most specific classification of living things while life is the most vague.
Take a look at this diagram too! These are examples of how animals are classified. Next time you go outside and see an organism, try and classify it!
Check Out This Video!
Now that we have some key vocabulary and concepts down, watch this video to get a deeper understanding of classifying organisms.
Make sure you always watch the videos and websites we provide, because they will make sure you know all the content in this unit!
Think you got it down? Try this classification game and test your knowledge!
How are plants classified?
Great! Now you know how to classify animals. But, did you know plants could be classified and put under groups too? Though we can't group plants based on their behavior, there are still many ways we can classify them.
Check Out This Video!
To understand the origin of classification and the general basics, check out this video! It contains information very important to know before diving into the specifics.
Plants With Seeds
Most plants produce seeds in order to reproduce. Gymnosperm seeds develop in cones, and angiosperm seeds develop in fruit. When a seed is fertilized, in the right conditions, it will germinate, starting the life of a new plant!
Plants Without Seeds
Did you know there are plants that can reproduce without the need of seeds? They use several different methods, like budding, plant runners, and spores!
Gymnosperms
Gymnosperms are the oldest seed-bearing plants. There are four types of gymnosperms: gnetophytes, cycads, conifers, and ginkgos. It is very important to understand these types of seeds when classifying plants.
Angiosperms
Angiosperm plants reproduce by producing seeds inside a fruit. There are two kinds of angiosperms: monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
Classify Plant Leaves at Home!
Once you understand how to classify plants, check this activity out! It's a great exercise to practice classifying organisms and it will test how much you know. Remember to take pictures of your observations and write it down for later discussions!
Plant Adaptations
When you look outside your window, you may notice that the plants in your front yard may be completely different from the plants you would find in the dessert! Plants are able to adapt to help them survive (live and grow) in different areas. Adaptations are special features that allow a plant or animal to live in a particular place or habitat.
Go to this link to learn all about plant adaptations! http://www.mbgnet.net/bioplants/adapt.html
Where Do These Traits Come From?
All organisms inherit certain physical and behavioral traits from their parents. Other characteristics result from an organism's interactions with the environment, which can range from diet to learning. This goes for both plants and animals and play a role in classification.
Think you got it down? Let's try a Quizizz to test your knowledge! Remember, you can take this however many times you want, and keep trying until you get your highest score. Make sure to re-watch the videos and go back to this page if you're having any trouble.