Name: ____________________________

Classification
Directions: Use the following information and the virtual lab at http://is.gd/N6rHyY to answer
questions 1 through 3 below.
Classification is the process of grouping organisms together based on similar characteristics. While
early classification schemes grouped organisms together based on physical appearance, modern
schemes of classification show how organisms are evolutionarily related. In this exercise, you will
look at the physical characteristics of the five classes of arthropods, and practice classifying them.
NOTE: Scientists do not classify organisms based solely on physical characteristics.




1 Follow the directions found in the virtual lab. Take notes for yourself on the different
characteristics of each class of arthropod and complete the table below.


B
o
d
y

S
e
c
t
i
o
n
s

W
a
l
k
i
n
g

L
e
g
s

O
t
h
e
r

A
p
p
e
n
d
a
g
e
s

A
n
t
e
n
n
a
e

C
l
a
w
s

J
a
w
s

Class
Common
Name
Specimen 1

Specimen 2

Specimen 3

Specimen 4



<<SELECT>>

<<SELECT>>

<<SELECT>>

<<SELECT>>



2 Use the Arthropod Reference Guide (in the virtual lab) to determine the class of the pictured
organism.


Class: Class:





3 Using the Arthropod Reference Guide, describe three or more characteristics that distinguish
the arthropods in Question 2 from each other.






















<<SELECT>> <<SELECT>>
4 The pictures below show parts from four different plants.



Based on the pictures, which of the following characteristics would be best to use to sort the
plants into two groups?
A. The shape of the leaves
B. The length of the leaves
C. The length of the branches
D. The thickness of the branches

5 The data table below shows information a student collected.
FEATURES OF FOUR ANIMALS
Animal 1 Animal 2 Animal 3 Animal 4
Lives on land
Has dry, scaly skin
Has lungs
Lays eggs
Cold-blooded
Lives on land
Has feathers
Has lungs
Lays eggs
Warm-blooded
Lives on land
or in water
Has moist skin
Has lungs
Lays eggs
Cold-blooded
Lives in water
Has scales
Has gills
Lays eggs
Cold-blooded

Snakes, tortoises, and alligators are examples of reptiles. Most reptiles live on land and have
scales. Reptiles were the first animals to develop the ability to lay hard-shelled eggs.
Based on this information and that data table, which animal is most likely a reptile?
A. Animal 1
B. Animal 2
C. Animal 3
D. Animal 4