Creepy Critters Classification Project
What if a new planet was discovered that had life on it? Would you be able
to figure out what known creatures these alien life forms might be related
to? What would you look for to compare? How would you organize these
different living things?
Scientists who study living things organize them into categories based on
their relationships. Early classification systems were based simply on how
things look. Now scientists focus on genetics, cellular make-up and other
more specific things when they classify creatures. Classification systems include big groups that are
subdivided into smaller groups.
Imagine it's the year 2525. A planet similar to Earth has recently been found in a newly identified solar
system in another galaxy. We have sent a space probe with a molecular transport beam to this planet
to beam back a variety of different living creatures. Scientists examine the structure of each of these
creatures and realize that they need to create a classification scheme to help them compare the alien
life forms to each other and discover how they might be related.
The lead scientist sends you illustrations of the organisms and asks you to help develop this
classification system. Your role is to study the illustrations and come up with a possible classification
scheme based on the information provided about each organism. You'll be asked to explain to the
scientific team how and why you organized the creatures this way. When you're done, come back to
this page to test your newfound knowledge by answering the questions below.
What to Do:
1. Answer the following pre lab questions on a separate piece of paper using a paragraph
format.
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Why are living things classified?
What is the standard classification system for classifying organisms?
How are living organisms separated into different groups?
2. Study all the cards, noting similarities and differences among the creatures.
3. Based on some structural feature, separate the creatures into two groups of about equal numbers.
On a piece of notebook paper, record the numbers for these two groups. Each group should include
creatures that have something in common.
4. List the structural feature used to identify each group.
5. Create additional levels of classification by dividing the organisms into smaller and smaller groups
until each group contains only one organism.
6. After Ms. Lasee checks your rough draft you can construct the final draft of your classification
chart. Use large paper and be as organized as possible. Draw out your classification scheme. Write
down all characteristics that you used to place each organism in its particular place.
7. When your final draft is complete, get a picture of a “mystery” creature from Ms. Lasee. This is a
picture of a creature was just beamed back by the space probe and sent to you by the lead scientist.
You need to decide where it fits in the group system you've just created. Do you need to make a new
group for this creature or can you find some way to fit it into one of your existing groups? Decide
where the creature should be placed on your chart then glue it next to the organism it seems most
similar to.
8. Answer the following post lab questions on a separate piece of paper using a paragraph
format.
o What factors do you think are most important in classification?
o What do you think the major factors are that differentiates one species from
another?
o Were you able to place the “mystery creature” into your classification system or
did you have to make a new group?
o What benefits come from classifying organisms?
o How would you classify yourself as an individual, and what traits would be
important in that classification?
o Where would you begin if you had to classify an unknown plant?
o Is there more than one way to classify a set of items?
You need to turn in the following items:
1. Each person in your group needs to write and turn in the pre lab questions
2. Your group’s classification scheme
3. Each person in your group needs to write and turn in the post lab questions
Creepy Critters Classification Project
Content and Concepts
(Worth 4 points each, total of 12 points)
Creates a working classification system using structural traits.
Makes reasonable model of modern classification system.
Creates a branching tree diagram.
Subtotal
Presentation
(Worth 4 points each, total of 12 points)
Written work is neat and legible.
Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar used.
Close attention paid to details and directions.
Subtotal
Overall Score: __________
A
B
C
D
F
22-24
20-21
17-19
15-16
14 and below