Animal Classification Types

What are the two main groups animals are classified into?

• Birds and Amphibians

• Mammals and Reptiles

• Arthropods and Cnidarians

• Vertebrates and Invertebrates

What are the characteristics of vertebrates?

• Animals with a backbone or spinal column, bilateral symmetry, segmented body, well-developed head with a brain, closed circulatory system, complete digestive system, and ventral heart.

• Invertebrates with a spinal column

• Plants with a backbone

• Animals with an exoskeleton

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Name three examples of mammals.

• Birds, fish, reptiles

• Whales, sharks, octopuses

• Dogs, cats, elephants

• Lions, tigers, bears

What are the defining features of birds?

• Scales, claws, fur, gills, low metabolic rate

• Antennae, exoskeleton, fins, scales, low metabolic rate

• Feathers, beaks, wings, hard-shelled eggs, high metabolic rate

• Fur, claws, scales, fins, low metabolic rate

List three examples of reptiles.

• Lizards

• Dinosaurs

• Frogs

• Snakes, Turtles, Crocodiles

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What are the key characteristics of amphibians?

• Cold-blooded, moist skin, lay eggs in water, undergo metamorphosis, double life

• Warm-blooded, dry skin

• Lay eggs on land

• Nocturnal

Name two types of fish.

• Salmon, Tuna

• Haddock

• Cod

• Trout

What are the distinguishing features of arthropods?

• Exoskeleton, unsegmented body, jointed appendages

• Endoskeleton, radial symmetry, smooth body

• Exoskeleton, segmented body, jointed appendages, bilateral symmetry

• Soft body, bilateral symmetry, no appendages

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

List three examples of invertebrates.

• starfish

• earthworms

• sharks

• jellyfish, snails, insects

What are the main categories of animal classification based on their diet?

• Insectivores

• Herbivores, Carnivores, Omnivores, Detritivores

• Frugivores

• Piscivores