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Year 8

Classifying organisms using a classification key

I can explain how to use a classification key, and the importance of classifying organisms into groups within larger groups.

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New
New
Year 8

Classifying organisms using a classification key

I can explain how to use a classification key, and the importance of classifying organisms into groups within larger groups.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A classification key can be used to find out which groups organisms are classified into.
  2. A classification key is a series of questions about the features of organisms.
  3. Classification helps us organise and make sense of biodiversity.

Common misconception

Animals are misclassified based on features that have been incorrectly interpreted, such as wings.

Animals which are often misclassified are included as explicit examples, such as bat, whale and penguin.

Keywords

  • Taxonomy - The practice of classifying.

  • Classification - The process of sorting things into groups.

  • Classification key - A series of questions about the features of organisms that help us to classify them correctly.

Use mini whiteboards or other wipeable surface for students to write their classification questions on. Use a selection of biscuits (be aware of allergies) which are different shapes, some with fillings etc, to practice producing classification keys.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which classification level has groups called ‘Animals’, ‘Plants’ and ‘Fungi’?
genus
Correct answer: kingdom
species
Q2.
A species is a group of organisms which …
share few similarities with each other.
Correct answer: can reproduce to produce fertile offspring.
have a backbone.
Q3.
The frog (Rana temporaria) and toad (Bufo bufo) are both animals. Which statement correctly describes the difference between?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: They are both different species.
They are both from the same genus.
They are both from a different kingdom.
Q4.
Starting with the largest, sort these groups into order of size.
1 - animal
2 - reptile
3 - snake
4 - python
Q5.
Which option shows the correct way to format the binomial name for this mushroom?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: Amanita muscaria
Amanita muscaria
amanita muscaria
amanita muscaria
Q6.
Match the classification level with the name of the daisy (Bellis perennis).
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer:kingdom,plant

plant

Correct Answer:genus,Bellis

Bellis

Correct Answer:species,perennis

perennis

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the animal to its correct classification class.
Correct Answer:cod,fish

fish

Correct Answer:elephant,mammal

mammal

Correct Answer:newt,amphibian

amphibian

Correct Answer:cobra,reptile

reptile

Q2.
Select the classification level which will have the greatest number of organisms with the most differences between them.
Correct answer: phylum
class
genus
species
Q3.
Taxonomy is the practice of:
Identification
Correct answer: Classification
Organisation
Q4.
We can use a to accurately put organisms into groups based on questions about their characteristics.
Correct Answer: classification key, key, dichotomous key
Q5.
Use the classification key to classify a dolphin.
An image in a quiz
bird
Correct answer: mammal
fish
Q6.
Which student offers a reason why we classify organisms?
Lucas: "Classification keys can be made electronic for use in the field."
Alex: "Classification is quick and simple."
Correct answer: Izzy: "Classification makes sense of biodiversity."

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