Classification system of life on Earth
All life on Earth can be broken up into two groups: Organisms without a nucleus (Prokaryotes) and Organisms with a nucleus (Eukaryotes).
Prokaryotes can be broken into two smaller groups: Bacteria and Archaea. Archaea were only recently discovered as previously thought to be bacteria that live in extreme environments, either really hot or really salty. Further studies concluded that Archaea belonged in a group all of their own. The group Bacteria belong to are often called Monera.
Eukaryotes are all organisms that have small compartments inside their cells, called organelles. Some eukarya are single-celled with each organism consisting of only one cell. Some eukarya are multi-cellular. That is, these eukarya are made out of many cells that work together to form an organism. Plants, animals and fungi are all eukaryotes.
Prokaryotes can be broken into two smaller groups: Bacteria and Archaea. Archaea were only recently discovered as previously thought to be bacteria that live in extreme environments, either really hot or really salty. Further studies concluded that Archaea belonged in a group all of their own. The group Bacteria belong to are often called Monera.
Eukaryotes are all organisms that have small compartments inside their cells, called organelles. Some eukarya are single-celled with each organism consisting of only one cell. Some eukarya are multi-cellular. That is, these eukarya are made out of many cells that work together to form an organism. Plants, animals and fungi are all eukaryotes.
Kingdoms
Historically Scientists believed there were only 5 kingdoms of life. They are given latin names, as a universal language in Science. When Archaea was discovered, another kingdom was was added to form 6 kingdoms of life: Bacteria, Archaea, Protoctista (Protists), Plantae (Plants), Fungi and Animalia (Animals).
Levels of Classification
Each level of classification shrinks the number of organisms that are found within that group. Domains are the biggest groups of life. There are 3 Domains that are broken up into 6 kingdoms which are broken down into over 100 Phyla (Phyla = Plural, Phylum = Single). The kingdom Animalia is broken down into 9 Phyla, including Chordata, also known as the vertebrates. Chordata is broken down into the 5 Classes: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians. The class Mammalia is broken down into 19 orders.
By the time we get to Species, we have only one type of organism. Members of this species can breed with each other and produce viable offspring. Members of a species can still have variation between them, however they have some distinct features in common, that no other species has in common.
When we write a species scientific name, we write the Genus and species. When we type this name, we type it in italics. When we hand write this name, we write it underlined.
Task 1
Go to the link: https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/mammalchart.htm
Complete the chart in your workbook to investigate the Orders of the Mammalian Class, using the PowerPoint linked at the top of the page.
By the time we get to Species, we have only one type of organism. Members of this species can breed with each other and produce viable offspring. Members of a species can still have variation between them, however they have some distinct features in common, that no other species has in common.
When we write a species scientific name, we write the Genus and species. When we type this name, we type it in italics. When we hand write this name, we write it underlined.
Task 1
Go to the link: https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/mammalchart.htm
Complete the chart in your workbook to investigate the Orders of the Mammalian Class, using the PowerPoint linked at the top of the page.
Task 2
Classification Tic Tac Toe
Choose three in a row of any of the tasks in the Tic Tac Toe grid to complete in your workbook
Classification Tic Tac Toe
Choose three in a row of any of the tasks in the Tic Tac Toe grid to complete in your workbook
Teacher Resources
Victorian Curriculum Links
This Essential Question links to the Victorian Curriculum Standards for Science Level 7 and 8
Biological Science
Questioning and predicting
Biological Science
- There are differences within and between groups of organisms; classification helps organise this diversity(VCSSU091)
Questioning and predicting
- Identify questions, problems and claims that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge (VCSIS107)