🔬 Part 1: Classification Basics

1. Which characteristic would be MOST useful for grouping organisms into major categories?

Color of the organism

Cell type (prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic)

Size of the organism

Where the organism lives

2. A scientific model for classification should be based on:

Personal preferences

Observable characteristics and evidence

How pretty the organism looks

Alphabetical order

3. Check ALL characteristics that scientists use to classify organisms:

Cell structure (single-celled vs. multi-celled)

How organisms get energy (photosynthesis vs. consuming food)

Favorite color

Reproduction methods

Body structure (vertebrate vs. invertebrate)

4. What is taxonomy?

Taxonomy is the science of _________________ and _________________ organisms based on their shared characteristics.

📊 Part 2: Developing Your Model

5. You have been given these organisms to classify: Oak tree, Eagle, Mushroom, E. coli bacteria, Fern, Shark, Yeast. Create a classification model by grouping them into THREE categories. Write your groups below and explain your reasoning.

Group 1: _________________________________

Group 2: _________________________________

Group 3: _________________________________

6. What characteristic(s) did you use to create your groups? Defend your choice with scientific reasoning.

🛡️ Part 3: Defending Your Model

7. A classmate argues that your oak tree and fern should be in different groups because "trees are bigger than ferns." How would you respond using scientific evidence?

8. Complete this scientific argument: "I grouped the eagle and shark together because they both _____________. This is important for classification because _____________ ."

9. Why is it important for scientists around the world to use similar classification systems? Give at least two reasons.

10. Reflection: How has your understanding of organism classification changed after working with classification models? What was the most challenging part?