Homework Sheet- Reading & Questions to be completed for tomorrow’s class
Name _________________________
Date __________________________
Reading
Everyone can find ways to classify sea shells or mollusks based on all their different shapes and
features. Scientists and other people have been looking at or observing shells for a long time.
They figured out ways to classify shells by observing their structures, shapes, patterns, and
textures. Scientists agree on a common system of classifying shells and other animals so that
it’s easier to talk to each other about them. When scientists classify shells, they first put them
into one of these basic categories: the univalves, with one shell (like a snail); and bivalves,
which have a two-part shell (like a clam).
What are some other things that scientists consider when they classify or categorize organisms
like shells? Something they do right away is look to see if organisms (like shells) are related to
each other. We can see that cats are related to tigers because they look very much alike. We
can also see that a bean is more like a pea than a carrot. These things that we can easily see
are structural similarities. The structure of an organism is one of the first things scientists look
at when trying to classify them.
The different features that organisms develop serve some purpose. Why do you think some
creatures develop camouflage features? Camouflage is a way for the organism to protect itself
by blending in with the background so that finding it is more difficult.
Some of the shells you found may have holes in them. These holes were likely caused by an
attack by a predator looking for a meal. Other features you saw on your shells include ridges.
The ridges on clam shells tell us how old they are.
Questions
1. What are the two basic categories of shells or mollusks?
2. Why is it important for scientists to have a common system of classification?
3. After scientists put mollusks into one of the two basic categories, what is another thing they
look for to help them classify shells?
4. What is one reason some shells develop certain features over time?
5. Why do some shells have holes in them?
6. Looking at the handout attached, pick one shell and give its common name and scientific
name.
Common Name: ____________________ Scientific Name: ____________________________
Questions/Answer Sheet
1. What are the two basic categories of shells or mollusks?
Univalve and Bivalve
2. Why is it important for scientists to have a common system of classification?
Answer from class discussion:
OR directly from the reading:
Scientists agree on a common system of classifying shells and other animals so
that it’s easier to talk to each other about them.
3. After scientists put mollusks into one of the two basic categories, what is another thing they
look for to help them classify shells?
Answer from class discussion:
Scientists examine texture, shape, pattern and structure to help categorize one group of
shells from another.
OR directly from the reading:
Something they do right away is look to see if organisms (like shells) are related
to each other.
4. What is one reason shells develop certain features over time?
One reason shells develop certain features over time is for camouflage, in order to hide
from predators or enemies.
5. Why do some shells have holes in them?
Some shells have holes in them because they were attacked by predators.
6. Looking at the handout attached, pick one shell and give its common name and scientific
name.
Common Name: Queen Conch
Scientific Name: Strombus gigas
(Various answers for question 6. Look through handout attached to confirm correct answers).
Observations and Classification Table
Name: _________________
Group Names:
Texture
Shape
Pattern
Structure
__________
Date: _______________
__________
__________
_________
__________
Science Grade Six
Lesson:
Shell Classification
Differentiation Activities
1.
Use encyclopaedia or website www.conchology.com to look up a shell of your choice. Find out
about the organs of the organism. List and make a diagram of the internal organs.
2. Find your favourite shell in the encyclopaedia or on the website www.conchology.com . List it’s
common name and scientific name. Find interesting facts about it and list them.
3. Pick your favourite shell. Draw it and use adjectives to describe it.
4. Work with a partner and find the three classifications of shells. Name one shell from each
group, giving its common name, scientific name, and where it is found.
5. Research the uses of shells over the years and in different cultures.
6. Endangered species of mollusks: Research shells (mollusks) that are common to our own
beaches and find out if there are any that are endangered. Discuss in a group: Many people
around the world love to collect shells as a hobby. Research how this may be affecting the
environment or the shells/mollusks themselves.