There is a great variety of living things around us. We can classify these living things based on their similarities. Classification is the grouping of things based on their similarities and differences. Scientists have classified different living things into groups such as plants, animals, fungi and bacteria. Each group has its own observable characteristics.
Animals can be further classified into six groups. Amphibians: live on land and water; breathe through lungs and skin; moist skin; 4 legs; lay eggs in water. Birds: live on land; have beaks, wings, feathers; mostly fly; lay eggs. Fish: live in water; fins, scales, gills; mostly lay eggs. Insects: 6 legs; 1 pair feelers; 3 body parts; hard covering; lay eggs. Reptiles: dry scaly skin; cold-blooded; breathe through lungs; mostly lay eggs. Mammals: hair or fur; warm-blooded; mostly give birth to live young; females produce milk.
Classification is a process whereby we look for similarities and differences between living things and group them accordingly. This is called comparison. Classification based on common observable characteristics makes it easier for scientists to study and understand the great diversity of living things. Remember: 1. There is a great variety of living things around us. 2. We can classify living things based on observable characteristics into plants, animals, fungi and bacteria. 3. Animals can be further classified into amphibians, birds, fish, insects, reptiles and mammals.