Scientists classify living things into a system of organization. They first divide all living things into two main groups: plants and animals. Animals are then divided into those with backbones (vertebrates) and those without (invertebrates). Vertebrates include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Plants are divided into flowering and non-flowering. As classification developed over time, more subgroups were identified to place various species.

1. Classification
Copy the passage that follows into your exercise book and then answer the questions.
There are millions of living things inhabiting planet Earth. Each
different kind of living thing is called a species.
Although there are millions of different species some are very
similar to each other. Over the years scientists have been able
to put certain species into certain groups. This process is
called classification.
Scientists were first able to divide all living things into two
main groups. These are called plants and animals.
From this scientists have divided all animals into two groups –
those with backbones and those without backbones. Those with
backbones are called vertebrates, those without backbones are
called invertebrates.
Scientists have been able to classify all plants too. They are
divided into two groups. The two groups are called flowering
and non-flowering plants.
As the system of classification grew, more sub-groups were
formed and more and more animals and plants were placed into
these subgroups.
Vertebrates, for example, were divided into reptiles, birds,
amphibians, fish and mammals. There are also many subgroups
of invertebrates. As with species of animals there are also
many subgroups containing different species of plant.
1. What is the name given to each different kind of living thing?
2. What is meant by the term “classification”?
3. What are the two main subgroups into which all living things can be placed?
4. What are the main subgroups into which all animals can be placed?
5. What are the main subgroups into which all plants can be placed?
6. What is a vertebrate? Can you name two examples?
7. What is an invertebrate? Can you name two examples?
8. Vertebrates can be divided into 5 smaller subgroups. Can you name these?
9. List 2 examples of animals in each of these five subgroups.
10. Which of these groups do you belong to? Find out as much as you can about this
group. Summarise your findings in a paragraph or two of writing.