Phylum Fun:
Classification
Level 4 - Years 8 to 10
NAME:
Classification:
Domain
A Phylum is a taxonomic rank under Kingdom and above Class. Fill in the blank boxes:
Kingdom
Phylum Fun:
Class
Family
Genus
As you explore Underwater World, choose two animals from each phylum listed below. Draw
a diagram of each animal. Label the distinguishing characteristics. Write both common name and scientific name.
Phylum &
Distinguishing
Characteristics
Marine
Representatives
Chordates
(Chordata)
•
•
Notochord
Nerve chord
Echinoderms
(Echinodermata)
•
•
•
Radial symmetry
Regenerative powers
Water vascular system
Molluscs
(Mollusca)
•
•
Muscular foot
Mantle
Cnidarians
(Cnidaria)
•
•
Nematocysts (stinging
cells)
Polyp and/or medusa
Arthropods
(Arthropoda)
•
•
•
Exoskeleton
Jointed appendages
Segmented body
UnderWater World Education © 2011-2012
Example # 1
Labelled Diagram,
Common & Scientific name
Example # 2
Labelled Diagram,
Common & Scientific name
Phylum Fun:
Classification
NAME:
Symmetry:
Level 4 - Years 8 to 10
One way biologists categorise animals is by their body plan. Find two animals with radial symmetry
(body parts radiate from the centre, no left or right side) and two animals with bilateral symmetry (distinct head &
tail). Draw and label them in the boxes below. What phylum does each animal belong to? Write your answer.
Shark Reproduction:
If reptiles lay eggs, and mammals suckle milk, what do sharks do? Interestingly,
different sharks have different reproductive strategies. The Grey nurse shark (Carcharius taurus) practices intrauterine cannibalism whereby embryos compete to the death before birth! What are some other shark reproductive
strategies? Answer by completing the table below:
Sharks
Grey Nurse Shark
Reproductive Strategy
Intra-uterine Cannibalism
Brown Banded Bamboo Shark, Crested Horn Shark
Hammerhead, Bull Shark, Black-tip Reef Shark
Wobbegong shark
Taxonomy of Sharks:
The Grey Nurse Shark is the largest shark at Underwater World. It belongs to the
Phylum Chordata and Class Chondrichthyes. What fundamental similarity does it share with other sharks in the
same Class?
What Order does it belong to and why?
What is another common name for this shark?
UnderWater World Education © 2011-2012