1. Vertebrates
Perhaps the animals with which you are most familiar are vertebrates. What are the major classes of vertebrates?
amphibians
reptiles
fishes
birds
mammals
DISCUSS with students, before providing the “right” answers. See how much they remember from their Exploration activity. They may come up with additional examples that are appropriate.
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2. Amphibians Examples: Characteristics: frogs, salamanders
Ectotherms (controls body temperature through external means)
Lay eggs in water
Adult breathes air
Must maintain most skin
Once again, DISCUSS with students prior to providing the “right” answer. Allow students to share what they know. They may think of additional examples as well.
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3. Reptiles Examples: Characteristics:
alligator, lizard, crocodile, snake, turtle
Characteristics:
Ectotherms (controls body temperature through external means)
Four appendages (or have ancestors with four appendages)
Lay eggs on land (except some snakes)
Covered in scales
Once again, DISCUSS with students prior to providing the “right” answer. Allow students to share what they know. They may think of additional examples as well.
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4. Fish Examples: Characteristics: perch, catfish, trout, salmon
Aquatic ectotherms
Bodies covered with scales
Breathe with gills
Have fins
Lay eggs in water
Once again, DISCUSS with students prior to providing the “right” answer. Allow students to share what they know. They may think of additional examples as well.
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5. Birds Examples: Characteristics: blue jay, cardinal, robin, eagle hawk
Endotherms (warm blooded-controls body temperature through internal means)
Body covered with feathers
Wings
Lay eggs
Once again, DISCUSS with students prior to providing the “right” answer. Allow students to share what they know. They may think of additional examples as well.
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6. Mammals Examples: Characteristics:
cat, dog, human, bat, mouse, rat, zebra
Characteristics:
Endotherms
Body covered with hair
Mammary (milk) glands
Breathe air
Have three middle-ear bones
Once again, DISCUSS with students prior to providing the “right” answer. Allow students to share what they know. They may think of additional examples as well.
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