Colorado Agriscience Curriculum
Section
Animal Science
Unit
Unit 1: Introduction to Animal Science
Lesson Title
Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
Agriculture Education Standards
Standard ESC 11/12.4 The student will gain practical experience within the field of
environmental sciences through work experience.
Enabler ESC 11/12.4.7 Discuss applications of taxonomy in the field of
agriculture and environmental science.
Standard EQS 11/12.1 Students will communicate equine science applications to the
history and development of the horse
Enabler EQS 11.12.1.4 Give a scientific name for the horse and three of its close
relatives.
Standard IAS 9.9 The student will identify the major breeds of livestock
Colorado Science Standards:
Standard SCI 3.0 Students know and understand the characteristics and structure of living
things, the processes of life, and how living things interact with each other and their
environment.
Competency SCI 3.1 Students know and understand the characteristics of living
things, the diversity of life, and how living things interact with each other and
with their environment.
Competency SCI 3.1.1 Using and producing a variety of classification systems for
organisms
Student Learning Objectives
As a result of this lesson, the student will:
1. Describe basic concepts about the Linnaeus classification system.
2. Know and use the hierarchical system that goes from general to specific
(Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species)
3. Recognize and label the scientific names for cattle, horses, sheep, swine and goats.
4. Students will be aware of other ways animals are classified, such as by breed.
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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Time: Instruction time for this lesson: 50 minutes.
Resources:
http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/9b.html Basics of Classification
http://www.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/classes/ASC106/INDEX.asp
Livestock Classification
Tools, Equipment, and Supplies
Overhead Projector, Transparencies
Copies of worksheet titled “Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy Worksheet”
Copies of slide #5, one for each student
Scientific/General Animal Terms on papers, cut apart for game.
Copies of Quiz, one for each student
“Kits” composed of 10 pencils and pens of different kinds. For example a kit might
include a yellow pencil with an eraser, a yellow pencil without an eraser, a
mechanical pencil, a pencil with a flag design on it, a short pencil, a click pen, a
pen with a lid, etc. Pencils may be similar, but not many should be the same.
Key Terms
Taxonomy
Breed
Purebred
Crossbreed
Binomial name
Interest Approach
Create enough kits so that students can work in groups of three on this activity. Each
group should have its own kit. Students will discover the need for taxonomy when asked
to group them. Separate students into groups of three using birthdays.
When I say, “Classify,” in your groups of three, you will become expert problem solvers
and organizers. In your bag, you each have 10 items that you will group into five groups
in some orderly way. You can determine how they should be separated, but pay attention
to their characteristics and group like characteristics together. You have 2 minutes to do
this. Remember, five groups with as many or as few as you please in each group!
“Classify!”
After two minutes, have students explain why they made the choices they did. They will
begin to reveal that we try to put order to things by grouping characteristics.
What you did with your kits is similar to what a man named Linnaeus did with millions
of animals hundreds of years ago. He compared their differences and their similarities
and created a way to classify them. Today, we’re going to study a little bit of his work to
better understand the animal classification system.
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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Summary of Content and Teaching Strategies
Objective 1. Describe basic concepts about the Linnaeus classification system.
Hand out worksheet titled, “Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy Worksheet.”
You have each received a worksheet on which to record your knowledge today. At the
top, you see the word, “taxonomy.” Can anyone tell me what that means? (Discuss and
come to the following definition, writing it on the board.)
Use the corresponding PowerPoint, Lesson 4, slides 2 and 3, to teach the following
concepts. Students should be writing answers on the worksheet as they go.
Taxonomy: The classification of organisms in an ordered system that indicates natural
relationships.
The first individual to propose an orderly system for classifying the variety of organisms
found on our planet was Linnaeus in 1753. In his system of classification, the smallest
unit in the organization of life is the species. Linnaeus suggested that every organism
should be classified with a unique binomial name.
Binomial names refer to a two-word system that scientifically names the organism. The
first term in this classification system is the organism's generic name or Genus. The
second term is the organism's specific name or species designation.
Using the binomial name method of classification, humans are referred to as Homo
sapiens.
On your worksheet, let’s record 4 important points about this system. (Take volunteer
answers from the class, making sure to include these ideas: Every organism has a
binomial name, first term is Genus or generic name, second term is species. Linnaeus
was the first to create an orderly system.)
Objective 2. Know and use the hierarchical system that goes from general to specific
(Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species)
Write the following statement or a similar one that represents the order of the system on
the board.
King Phillip Called Out For Great Sandwiches.
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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Do any of you know why I have this statement written on the board? This statement is a
great way to remember the order of the hierarchical system that Linnaeus created. The
hierarchical system is a method of taxonomy, which, if we remember, is a method of
classifying living things. Although we may want to order sandwiches for lunch, in fact,
the first letter of each word represents a step in the classification ladder.
Create the following replica on the board or project slide number 4.
species
genus
family
order
class
phylum
kingdom
As you can tell, the steps are bigger at the bottom, on the kingdom block, because there
are more organisms within any one kingdom than at the top, which is the smallest step,
and represents the specific creature or organism that has its own specific name. At each
step, we take another step toward the top to get to the specific animal we are seeking.
Each step is more specific to a certain organism than the last. Make sure you remember to
label the steps on your worksheet by their real name but use the naming aid to help you
remember the order!
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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Species
While you could use any mnemonic to remember the order, brain research tells us if you
create your own you will remember it better. When I say, “King Phillip,” you will have
two minutes to create with your group of three, your own expression to help remember
the order that Linnaeus created. Questions? “King Phillip.”
After groups have completed the assignment, have a few share their ideas.
Record your mnemonic on your worksheet. You’ll need it throughout the day. It’s
important to remember that this system starts in general terms and gets more specific as it
goes. For example, all the animals we’ll study belong to one kingdom: Animalia. They
also all belong to one phylum: Chordata. However, from there, things get more
complicated.
(Project slide #5 of the livestock classification chart. Complete the chart by filling in the
boxes on the white board where the image is projected.)
As we go through this information, record it on the chart you have on your paper.
As you look back over this chart, do you understand what a monumental task Linnaeus
began to tackle? There are millions of species on the planet, and through this organization
of general to specific naming; he gave names to many of them. Luckily, there are only a
few with which you need to be familiar.
Objective 3. Recognize and label the scientific names for cattle, horses, sheep, swine,
chickens and goats.
For the most part, we as a society use general names for animals. But occasionally, when
completing scientific research or looking up information, we need to know the scientific
names that animals have as a result of Linnaeus’ system. So, we’re going to learn the
names of the animals that are listed on your worksheet below the classification chart.
How do you figure out those names? It’s easy. You simply look at the chart and list the
genus first, species second. So, take five minutes and write the scientific names of these
animals next to their general names on your worksheet.
Choose a student and ask the following question as an example. “_______________, to
show the class how much you know about the science of turkeys, could you please tell us
the scientific name of turkeys?”
Let student respond and encourage them to answer the rest of the questions on their
paper.
Now, each of you will receive a piece of paper that has either a general name or scientific
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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name of an animal. When I say, “go,” stand up and find your partner. If you have the
scientific name of “horse,” you’re looking for the person with the general term, “horse.”
When you find them, sit down together. Any questions? Ready, Set, Go!
(Distribute pieces from Scientific Name Game. There are enough on the handout for 24
students. Make additional copies if needed.)
You will stay with this partner for the next activity.
Objective 4. Students will be aware of other ways of grouping animals, by breed.
Read and/or teach out loud from slide #6. Discuss the differences between each.
After species, things can still get more specific when we’re talking about animals. In
livestock, we often talk about breeds, which are groups of animals of a common origin
that have distinguishing characteristics that they pass on to their offspring in a uniform
manner. Then we have purebreds, or animals whose sire and dam are of the same breed.
When we begin to study genetics in animals, you’ll also learn about crossbred animals, or
offspring resulting from the crossing of a male of one breed with a female of another
breed.
Use slide number seven to “translate” each scientific name into a common name that
livestock producers would know and understand.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To the best of your ability, you and your partner need to “translate” these names into their
common species and name. The “ssp.” means subspecies, or breed.
Sus scrofa ssp. Hampshire
Ovis aries ssp. Suffolk
Bos taurus ssp. Angus
Gallus domesticus ssp. Leghorn
Canis familiaris ssp. Dalmatian
Answers include the following:
1. Hampshire hog
2. Suffolk sheep
3. Angus cattle
4. Leghorn chicken
5. Dalmation dog
Review/Summary.
Now, let’s review a little before we test your knowledge with a short quiz. In your
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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groups, you need to designate two roles, Superman and Spiderman. I chose superheroes
because the more knowledge you have, the more power you have. So, you’re going to
share your knowledge. Superman, I want you to tell Spiderman everything you know
about Linnaeus and the statement, “King Phillip Called Out For Great Sandwiches.” You
can use your own mnemonic. You have 60 seconds and should use your notes as a
reference. Go!
(After one minute)
Spiderman, your turn! I want you to tell Superman everything you learned today about the
scientific names for livestock and about what a breed is. You might want to share your
secrets about how to remember the livestock names.
(After one minute)
OK, good job. Now, go back to your original seats and prepare to take the easiest quiz
ever! Why is it easy? Because you’re experts at the information now!
Application
Extended classroom activity (highly recommended):
If computers are available, visit this website:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/index.html. Search in the animal kingdom
and look up non-traditional agricultural animals such as elk, fish, etc. to find the
scientific name and interesting facts.
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/teach/mammalHS.html contains a great
sample worksheet that explores the mammal class and guides students through the
website.
FFA activity:
Students from this class could work with students training for the FFA Quiz Bowl
Contest. Have this class write questions about animal taxonomy and scientific names for
younger students to study.
SAE activity:
Help students interested in agriscience develop and complete a study or research project
on the scientific classification system created by Linnaeus. Keep track of these research
hours for a potential agriscience award or hours toward their state FFA degree.
Evaluation.
Give the Animal Taxonomy quiz first with no notes being used. When it seems students
have completed all they can, allow them to take out their notes and check their answers,
or answer any additional questions they couldn’t answer before.
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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Answers to Assessment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Equus caballus
Linnaeus
Bos taurus
Breed
Ovis aries
Purebred
Sus scrofa
Gallus domesticus
Capra hircus
Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
Livestock Classification Chart Answers
Horses
Kingdom
Sheep Cattle Goats Pigs
Animalia
Phylum
Chickens
Turkey
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Perissodactyla
Family
Equidea
Genus
Equus
ovis
Species
Caballus
aries
Aves
Artiodactyla
Bovidae
bos
Galliformes
suidae
capra
sus
phasianidea
gallus
meleagns
taurus hircus scrofa domesticus gallopavo
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
Worksheet
Name __________________________________________ Date _________________
Taxonomy:
Binomial Name:
Linnaeus created a classification system in 1753. List four important points about his method of
classification.
1.
2.
3.
4.
K
P
C
O
F
G
S
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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Livestock Classification Chart
Horses
Sheep Cattle Goats
Pigs
Chickens
Turkey
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Scientific Names, Including Genus and Species
Horses ________________________________
Sheep_________________________________
Cattle _________________________________
Goats _________________________________
Pigs __________________________________
Chickens_______________________________
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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Scientific Names Game
Horse
Equus caballus
Sheep
Ovis aries
Cattle
Bos taurus
Goats
Capra hircus
Pig
Sus scrofa
Chickens
Gallus domesticus
Horse
Equus caballus
Sheep
Ovis aries
Cattle
Bos Taurus
Goats
Capra hircus
Pig
Sus scrofa
Chickens
Gallus domesticus
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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Animal Taxonomy Quiz
Name _________________________________________ Date ______________________
Write the word from the work bank below that most closely matches with the following
definitions or terms.
1.
Scientific name for horse: ____________________________________________
2.
The founder of a general to specific classification system: ___________________
3.
Scientific name for cattle: ____________________________________________
4.
Group of animals of a common origin: __________________________________
5.
Scientific name for sheep: ____________________________________________
6.
Animals whose sire and dam are of the same breed: ________________________
7.
Scientific name for swine: _____________________________________________
8.
Scientific name for chickens: ___________________________________________
9.
Scientific name for goats: _____________________________________________
10.
Complete the following flow chart using the order of hierarchy:
Word Bank:
Species
Kingdom
Breed
Bos taurus
Class
Ovis aries
Equus caballus
Phylum
Sus scrofa
Linnaeus
Family
Purebred
Capra hircus
Gallus domesticus
Genus
Order
Unit 1, Lesson 4: Livestock in the Animal Kingdom: Taxonomy
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