What is Classification?

Classification is… scientists use classification to group animals and plants according to their similarities and differences.

How do scientists classify animals?

Animals Vertebrates – animals with a backbone. Invertebrates – animals without a backbone.

Animals Vertebrates Mammals Reptiles Invertebrates Birds Amphibians Fish

Feed milk to their young Bear live young Mammals Have hair or fur Are warm-blooded Feed milk to their young Bear live young

Have feathers Are warm-blooded Have hollow bones Most can fly Lay eggs Birds Have feathers Are warm-blooded Have hollow bones Most can fly Lay eggs

Reptiles Have scales Live on land Are cold-blooded Usually lay eggs

Live in water and on land Are cold-blooded Have smooth skin Lay eggs Amphibians Live in water and on land Are cold-blooded Have smooth skin Lay eggs

Fish Are cold-blooded Have gills and scales Live in water

What About Plants?

Vascular – a plant that has a root system to move water and nutrients. Plants Vascular – a plant that has a root system to move water and nutrients. Nonvascular – a plant that absorbs water and nutrients directly from the place on which they grow.

Plants Vascular Nonvascular Reproduce using seeds Reproduce using spores Nonvascular

Plants Vascular Reproduce using seeds Reproduce using spores Nonvascular flowering Nonflowering