🦘 Part 1: Vertebrates vs Invertebrates

1. Circle the correct definition of a vertebrate:

An animal with an exoskeleton

An animal with a backbone or spine

An animal that lives in water

An animal that can fly

2. Which of these are characteristics of invertebrates? (Check all that apply)

No backbone or spine

May have an exoskeleton

Always live on land

Can include insects and spiders

Always have fur or feathers

3. Fill in the blanks:

Scientists use _________________ keys to help classify and identify animals. These tools help organise the _____________ of life on Earth by using observable _____________ to group animals.

🔍 Part 2: Using a Dichotomous Key

4. Use the dichotomous key below to classify these Australian animals. Write V for vertebrate or I for invertebrate next to each animal:

Simple Dichotomous Key:

1a. Animal has a backbone or spine → Go to 2
1b. Animal has no backbone → INVERTEBRATE

2a. Animal has fur or hair → MAMMAL (vertebrate)
2b. Animal has feathers → BIRD (vertebrate)
2c. Animal has scales and lives in water → FISH (vertebrate)
2d. Animal has scales and lives on land → REPTILE (vertebrate)

Kangaroo: ____

Huntsman spider: ____

Kookaburra: ____

Blue-tongue lizard: ____

Jellyfish: ____

Platypus: ____

Redback spider: ____

Murray cod: ____

🌏 Part 3: Indigenous Knowledge and Classification

5. First Nations Australians have their own ways of classifying animals. Explain why it's important to respect traditional Indigenous knowledge about animals:

6. Match the Australian animals with their classification group:

1. Echidna

2. Funnel-web spider

3. Rainbow lorikeet

4. Frilled lizard

5. Barramundi

A. Bird (vertebrate)

B. Fish (vertebrate)

C. Mammal (vertebrate)

D. Reptile (vertebrate)

E. Arachnid (invertebrate)

🎨 Part 4: Create Your Own Classification

7. Draw and label one vertebrate and one invertebrate that you might find in your local area:

8. Create your own simple dichotomous key step to separate mammals from birds:

9. Reflection: How can we show respect for animals and Indigenous knowledge when studying science?

🧠 Part 5: Challenge Questions

10. The platypus is a unique Australian animal. Circle what makes it special:

It's the only mammal that lays eggs

It's the only vertebrate with a bill

It's the only animal that lives in water

It's actually an invertebrate

11. Why is classification important for scientists studying biodiversity? Give two reasons:

Reason 1: _________________________________________________

Reason 2: _________________________________________________

12. Extension: Research one way that First Nations Australians traditionally classify animals (e.g., by seasons, behaviour, or connection to Country) and write a short paragraph about it: