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Organism Classification Models

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Organism Classification Models

At a science fair, Malik and Camila are comparing models for grouping organisms. Use the evidence cards and questions to build and evaluate classification models. Base your choices on biological evidence, not appearance alone.

Evidence Cards

Each card describes an organism. Use these facts as evidence throughout the challenge.

Oak tree: many cells; cells have nuclei; makes sugars using sunlight; produces seeds.

Eagle: many cells; cells have nuclei; gets energy by eating other organisms; has a backbone.

Mushroom: many cells; cells have nuclei; absorbs nutrients from its surroundings; does not make food using sunlight.

E. coli: one cell; no nucleus; gets energy from its surroundings; reproduces by splitting into two cells.

Fern: many cells; cells have nuclei; makes sugars using sunlight; reproduces with spores rather than seeds.

Shark: many cells; cells have nuclei; gets energy by eating other organisms; has a backbone.

Choose and Test a Model

A useful classification model groups organisms by relevant shared characteristics. Different models can answer different scientific questions.

1.Malik wants a first split that separates organisms whose cells have a nucleus from organisms whose cells do not. Which card belongs on the no-nucleus side?

Oak tree
Mushroom
E. coli
Shark

2.Camila's model groups organisms by how they obtain energy. Name the two organisms on the cards that make sugars using sunlight.

3.Which statement best explains why cell type is usually more useful than color for making a broad classification model?

Cell type reflects important biological organization, while color can vary and may not show how organisms are related.
Cell type is easier to see from far away than color.
Organisms of the same color always have the same cell type.
Color is not a characteristic of living things.

4.True or false: Because mushrooms do not make food using sunlight, they belong in the same group as plants.

TrueFalse

5.Complete the statement: Taxonomy is the science of naming and organisms.

6.Match each characteristic to the pair of organisms that share it, using the evidence cards.

Makes sugars using sunlight
Has a backbone
Cells have no nucleus

Eagle and shark
E. coli only
Oak tree and fern

7.A science fair visitor says the oak tree and fern must be in different major groups because one has seeds and the other has spores. How should Camila respond using the evidence cards?

8.Build a three-group model for all six organisms using how they obtain energy: (A) make sugars using sunlight, (B) eat other organisms, or (C) absorb or obtain energy from their surroundings. List the organisms in each group.

9.A student groups the eagle and shark together because both are large and live near water. Identify one stronger shared characteristic from the cards and explain why it is a better basis for a classification model.

10.A visitor from another state sees Camila's classification model. Give two reasons scientists benefit from using shared classification systems and evidence-based names.