Classifying Animals
F OR THOUSANDS of years, people have sought to
classify living creatures into general
categories. An ongoing process, classification aids
in research, education, and communication about
different species. Newly discovered animals,
insects, and plants are added to the categories
each year.
Objective:
þ Identify and describe the six most
important classes of animals.
Key Terms:
Ñ amphibians
arthropods
cold-blooded
exoskeleton
invertebrates
mammals
vertebrates
warm-blooded
Classes of Animals
Throughout the world, millions of animals exist, and there are many classes in which to
place them. Every animal is classified based on its characteristics. One of the most general clas-
sifications is based on whether the animal has a spine or a backbone.
Vertebrates are animals that possess a backbone, while invertebrates are animals that
do not possess a backbone. It may seem as if there are more vertebrate animals, but inverte-
brates, specifically insects, outnumber us.
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Animals also can be classified by the way they control their body heat. Warm-blooded ani-
mals can regulate their own body heat. As a result, they have adapted to a variety of environ-
ments. In contrast, cold-blooded animals must rely on the temperature of their environment
to heat or cool their bodies. For this reason, they cannot survive in places with extremely hot
or cold temperatures.
SIX MAJOR CLASSES OF ANIMALS
Most animals on Earth are grouped into six major classes: mammals, birds, fish, reptiles,
amphibians, and arthropods.
Mammals
Mammals are warm-blooded
animals that have hair, give birth
to live young, and produce milk
(from a mammary system) for
their young. Mammals are verte-
brates and include most compan-
ion animals, common livestock,
and humans.
Birds
Birds are warm-blooded ani-
mals, but they hatch from
hard-shelled eggs. Birds are the
FIGURE 1. These cattle are warm-blooded vertebrates.
only animals that have feathers,
FURTHER EXPLORATION…
Online Connection: Researching Animal Classes
The task of classifying all animals into a logical class system is daunting. Scientists are continually
updating, revising, and adding new life forms as they are discovered.
The Internet has dramatically affected the way scientists can share information about animal classes
and educate others on the subject. Although it would be nearly impossible to list every animal species on
one concise Web site, many sites are wonderful resources when researching each of the major animal
classes.
To explore the major animal classes further, visit the link below:
[Link]
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but not all birds can fly. Eagles, robins,
chickens, and penguins are all examples of
birds.
Fish
Fish live their entire lives in water by
using a set of gills to extract oxygen from
the water to breathe. Normally fish have
scales covering their bodies. For reproduc-
tion, female fish lay eggs that are then fertil-
ized by the male in a process called “spawn-
ing.” Examples of fish include bass, bluegill,
trout, and tilapia. FIGURE 2. Like most other birds, eagles have the ability to fly.
FIGURE 3. Fish are generally covered with scales and live in water at all times.
Reptiles
Reptiles are cold-blooded ani-
mals that are born on land, usu-
ally from eggs. Reptiles normally
have scaly skin and breathe air
with a set of lungs. Common rep-
tiles are turtles, alligators, snakes,
and lizards.
FIGURE 4. Snakes are cold-blooded animals that give birth by laying eggs.
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Amphibians
Amphibians are animals that
are born in water. These animals
use gills to breathe and later form
lungs that allow them to travel on
land and to breathe air. Amphibi-
ans are cold-blooded and often
undergo radical physical changes
when growing to adulthood.
Toads, frogs, salamanders, and
newts are all amphibians.
Arthropods FIGURE 5. Although frogs are born in water, they will eventually undergo
dramatic changes and will be able to travel on land.
Arthropods generally are ani-
mals that have more than two
pairs of jointed legs, such as
arachnids (spiders), insects, and
crustaceans. Arthropods com-
monly have an exoskeleton (a
hard, outer covering that serves
the function of an interior skele-
ton). All insects and spiders as
well as lobsters, crabs, and shrimp
are included in the arthropod
class.
FIGURE 6. Arthropods, such as this grasshopper, have an outer covering
known as an exoskeleton.
Summary:
2 All animals can be classified into groups based on their characteristics. The six most
important classes of animals are mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and
arthropods.
Mammals are animals that give milk, have hair, and give birth to live young. Birds
are the only group with feathers, and they have young that hatch from hard-shelled
eggs. Fish are cold-blooded and use a set of gills to breathe underwater. Although
reptiles are also cold-blooded, they live on land and breathe air. Amphibians begin
life underwater using gills, but they form lungs and breathe air as adults. Finally,
arthropods are the largest group and include insects, arachnids, and crustaceans.
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By classifying animals, we make it easier to study their characteristics and learn
more about how they interact with the environment and, ultimately, all of us.
Checking Your Knowledge:
´ 1. Explain the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates.
2. List the six animal groups, and give two examples of animals from each group.
3. How are amphibians different from reptiles?
4. Why are arthropods the largest class of animals?
5. Provide three characteristics of mammals.
Expanding Your Knowledge:
L Imagine you are a scientist employed to classify new animals. Create your own key
with steps to follow in placing animals in the six major categories. Model your key
to look like a dichotomous key.
Web Links:
: Classes of Animals
[Link]
The Use of Dichotomous Keys
[Link]
Agricultural Career Profiles
[Link]
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