Animal Classification Learning Activity

This learning activity will demonstrate your ability to participate in collaborative learning. You will learn how to define the roles, functions, and tasks of different group members, and how to organize the work in terms of planning, follow-up, and results. You will also learn about the key concepts of animal classification, including category, classification, systematics, taxon, and divergence time.

Questions

• What are the different subdivisions of animal classifications?
• How can animals be grouped according to their relatedness?
• How can a classification table of animals be prepared down to the lowest rank?
• How can animals be classified using a diagram?
• How can the organization plans of various phyla be compared?
• How can collaborative learning tools be used to carry out a group activity?

Answers

• The different subdivisions of animal classifications are kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
• Animals can be grouped according to their relatedness by their shared characteristics, such as body structure, diet, and habitat.
• A classification table of animals can be prepared down to the lowest rank by listing the animals in order of their relatedness, starting with the most general category and ending with the most specific.
• Animals can be classified using a diagram by creating a branching diagram that shows the relationships between different groups of animals.
• The organization plans of various phyla can be compared by looking at their shared characteristics, such as the number of germ layers, the presence or absence of a backbone, and the type of body symmetry.
• Collaborative learning tools can be used to carry out a group activity by providing a way for group members to communicate and collaborate on a project.