To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.

Groups contain similar objects according to their features.

An observable characteristic is a feature or property of a living thing that we can see or use our other senses to observe.

To classify is to sort objects into groups based on their similarities and differences

Grouping animals 

Science

In this Living things and the environment unit, pupils learn to explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name living things. In the Why we group and classify living things unit, they will build on this knowledge to give reasons why we classify plants and animals based on specific characteristics

In the Living things and where they live unit, pupils learnt that things can be grouped into: alive, dead and never alive. In this Living things in the environment unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognsie that living things can be grouped in a wider variety of ways

Living things and the environment

Many animals have similar features that allow us to sort them into {{}}. 

Match the animal with their correct classification group. 

Which of these are observable characteristics that we could use to group animals?

Based on observable characteristics, which animal would you put into the same group as a zebra?

The process of grouping animals based on their similarities and differences is called {{}}.

Match the observable characteristic to the animal.

Look at Alex, which groups of pupils does he have something in common with? 

An {{}} characteristic is a feature or property of a living thing that we can see or use our other senses to notice.

I swim thousands of miles to find food.  

Which of these descriptions are observable characteristics of the whale in the image?

The animal has black and white stripes on its body.

The animal has a long body to help it move through water.

Match the characteristic to the observation of an animal.  

Which of these might a scientist use to help identify and group objects?

Starter Quiz