How and why we group animals
I can explain how animals can be grouped using observable characteristics.
How and why we group animals
I can explain how animals can be grouped using observable characteristics.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Scientists group animals to make it easier to identify, name and learn about them.
- Animals can be divided into groups or 'classified' by looking at the similarities and differences between them.
- Animals are divided into two main groups: vertebrates (with a spine) and invertebrates (without a spine).
- Vertebrate and invertebrate groups can be divided further.
- We can create classification keys by asking a series of yes/no questions about the observable characteristics of things.
Keywords
Classify - To classify things is to sort them into groups.
Identify - To identify something is to be able to name it correctly.
Vertebrate - A vertebrate is an animal with an internal skeleton, including a spine.
Invertebrate - Animals that do not have bones, including a spine, on the inside of their bodies are invertebrates.
Classification key - Classification keys are diagrams which help us sort things into different groups.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that animals with soft, flexible bodies such as snakes or fish are invertebrates, or that any animal with a hard shell is a vertebrate.
Explain that the external appearance of an animal does not always give us enough information to classify it as a vertebrate or an invertebrate; the presence or absence of a backbone and internal skeleton is the only characteristic that matters.
To help you plan your year 6 science lesson on: How and why we group animals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 science lesson on: How and why we group animals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Why we group and classify living things unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
warm-blooded, gives birth to live young, has hair or fur
cold-blooded, most lay eggs, has scales
cold-blooded, dry, scaly skin, lays eggs
cold-blooded, moist skin, lays eggs
warm-blooded, has feathers, lays eggs, has wings and a beak
Exit quiz
6 Questions
amphibian
reptile
crustacean
insect
arachnid
mollusc