Scribd
Upload
4 views21 pages

Species Classification and Identification Guide

The document outlines the concept of species and classification, emphasizing that a species is a group of organisms that can reproduce fertile offspring. It explains the use of dichotomous keys for classifying species based on physical characteristics and introduces the binomial nomenclature system for naming species. Additionally, it provides characteristics of various animal groups, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Uploaded by

dabyssdill
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views21 pages

Species Classification and Identification Guide

The document outlines the concept of species and classification, emphasizing that a species is a group of organisms that can reproduce fertile offspring. It explains the use of dichotomous keys for classifying species based on physical characteristics and introduces the binomial nomenclature system for naming species. Additionally, it provides characteristics of various animal groups, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Uploaded by

dabyssdill
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Identifying Species

Science Grade 7
Success Criteria
I can identify and describe a species as a group
of organisms that can reproduce to produce
offspring
I can use dichotomous keys to classify species and
groups of related organisms.
I can construct dichotomous keys to classify
species and groups of related organisms.
What is
classification?
It is the process of grouping organisms
based on shared characteristics.

For example, chicken and eagle can be


classified as bird because both of them
have feather and wings.
What is the use of
classification?
Scientists can identify, compare, and
study them more easily.
How does
Classification
work?
Species
A species is a group of living
things that are similar and
can reproduce together to
make fertile offspring.

Fertile offspring means the


offspring are able to
reproduce their own offspring
Hybrid
Two species from the same family can reproduce
together, but the offspring are infertile or unable to
reproduce their own offspring.
Every Species has their own
international name
The international name of a species is its scientific
name, written in two parts using Latin words.
This system is called binomial nomenclature.

Ursus arctos Margareta elia


genus species equal like surname first name
The use of international name

To make sure scientists all over the world


use the same name for each species.
To avoid confusion caused by different local
names.
Identifying living things
Use DICHOTOMOUS KEY
A dichotomous key is a tool used to identify and
classify living things based on their physical
characteristics.
It works by giving a series of two contrasting
choices (yes/no or either/or) at each step.
Each choice leads you to another question or to
the name of the organism.
DICHOTOMOUS KEY
Which animals can we
classify in one group?
Classification
of Animals
What is the
characteristic of a
different group of
animals?
Fish
are cold-blooded
lay eggs
are covered with scales
have fins not legs
live in water and breathe though gills
have backbone

Amphibians
are cold-blooded
can live on land and in water
lay jelly-covered eggs in the water
have moist skin
do not have scales
have backbone
Reptiles
have dry, scaly skin
have short legs or no legs at all
breathe air through their lungs
are cold-blooded
lay eggs
have backbone

Birds
are animals with feathers
have two legs and two wings
haave a beak or a bill
lay eggs
are warm-blooded
have backbone
Mammals
have fur or hair
babies drink milk from their mother’s bodies
have four limbs
breathe air through their lungs
are warm-blooded
have backbone

You might also like