Name: ______________________________________ Hour: _________
Classification of Aliens
Background: How do we know that all organisms are related to one another? Scientists have devised a way to show
how organisms are related by their similar characteristics. Grouping organisms by similar characteristics is called
classification. Scientists group organisms into groups that flow from broad, general characteristics to specific
characteristics. These groups are called “The Seven Levels of Classification.” As one proceeds through these levels of
classification, the groups become smaller and more specific. These levels are Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family,
Genus and Species.
What is the mnemonic device that helps us remember these levels?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Objective: Classify using a dichotomous key and the levels of classification.
Directions:
1. Use the dichotomous key on the back to classify the pictures of aliens. Write the letter that represents each
alien on the line under its picture.
2. When all the aliens are named, classify out the aliens into the classification system by listing the alien’s letters
into the groups below.
Letters that
represent the
aliens
Kingdom Feet
Phylum Socks
Class Eyes -On -Stalks
Order Antennae
Family Hair
Genus Nose
Species Arms
3.
Letters that
represent the
aliens
Kingdom No -Feet
Phylum No- Socks
Class Eyes-Not-On-Stalks
Order No-Antennae
Family No-Hair
Genus No-Nose
Species No-Arms
When classifying organisms, kingdom is a very general grouping. You will find this group the largest group of
organisms. There are six kingdoms we use in our modern classification system. What are they?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Species is very specific. This group will be the smallest. Keeping this mind, use the data above and fill in
Kingdom Feet. Using just the aliens from Kingdom Feet above, finish this classification. Which alien ended up
in species? ______________________________________
Kingdom Feet
Phylum Socks
Class Eyes – Not-On –Stalks
Order Antennae
Family Hair
Genus Nose
Species Arms
Science Focused Learning Lessons
Alien Dichotomous Key
1. A.
B.
2. A.
B.
3. A.
B.
4. A.
B.
5. A.
B.
6. A.
B.
7. A.
B.
8. A.
B.
9. A.
B.
Does the alien have feet?
Does the alien have no feet?
Does the alien have socks?
Does the alien have no socks?
Does the alien have antennae?
Does the alien have no antennae?
Does the alien have 2 eyes?
Does the alien have less than 2 eyes?
Does the alien have toes?
Does the alien have no toes?
Does the alien have long hair?
Does the alien have no long hair?
Does the alien have eyes on stalks?
Does the alien have eyes not on stalks?
Does the alien have a nose?
Does the alien have no nose?
Does the alien have arms?
Does the alien have no arms?
Alien Pictures
Science Focused Learning Lessons
Go to #2
Go to #7
Go to #3
Go to #5
Go to #4
Alien K
Alien R
Alien M
Go to #6
Alien T
Alien Z
Alien N
Go to #8
Go to #9
Alien X
Alien Y
Alien V
Alien W