Classification of Animals
1. Humans not included as animals.
2. Movement and eating is a distinguishing factor of animals.
3. Vertebrates possess a well-defined head and limbs, while invertebrates are soft or
have lengthy bodies or possess a shell or exoskeleton.
4. Penguins are mammals due to their incapability to fly.
5. Misclassification increased as the grade level increased.
Source: Trowbridge, John E. and Mintzes, Joel J. (1985). Students' Alternative
Conceptions of Animals and Animal Classification. School Science and Mathematics,
vol. 85 (4). 304-316.
Classification of Animals
1. Students ages 9-11 restrict the identification of animal to animals found in a zoo,
farm or those considered as pets.
2. Vertebrates have a body that is rigid.
3. Students ages 7-9 believe hard bodies and shell-like coverings are characteristics
of vertebrates; invertebrates have bodies that can bend.
4. Students ages 12-15 classified penguins as mammals due to its build, inability to
fly and habitat.
5. All organisms that possess jointed appendages and crawl belong to the insect
class.
Source: Braund, Martin. (1991). Children's Ideas in Classifying Animals. Journal of
Biological Education, vol. 25 (2). 103-110.
Classification of Animals
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Animals must have four legs.
Animals are large; insects are small.
Animals are only found on land.
All mammals live in the water.
Animals have fur.
Animals make sounds.
Difference between plants and animals is movement.
Animal and mammal are used interchangeably.
University students classified items as animals if they had a brain, breathed, had
cells with no cell wall, moves, and if it eats other living things.
Source: Bell, Beverly F. (1981). When Is An Animal, Not An Animal? Journal of
Boilogical Education, vol. 15 (3). 213-218.