Manuel Martinez
Biology: Classification
Classification in biology mainly deals with the methods used to classify living organisms and the importance of classification. Classification’s importance is undeniable since it provides us with an easy and comprehensive way to classify and find organisms according to their name. Over the course of time we humans have classified living organisms according to different methods, some involving classification through traits and others through behavior. The term used for this science and practice is taxonomy.
The first widely accepted method for the classification of living organisms was created by Aristotle (384-322 B.C). He based his method upon traits and behavior. His first level of classification was the separation between plants and animals. He then broke those categories into bloodless and those with blood (traits). His final development was the grouping on how the organisms moved and where they lived (behavior). His three categories for this group were land, air, and water. This method was not very effective because fact that the organisms were classified in very broad, categories which would make it more difficult to identify and classify organisms according to their names. Even with this flaw, this method endured the test of time and was accepted until the 1600’s.
By the 18th century, more technology was available to scientists and another classification system was invented by Carolus Linnaeus. Carolus based his method solely on the characteristics of organisms, specifically the organism’s sex organs and similarities in form. With this system also came the idea of binomial (meaning two) nomenclature (meaning names). An example of binomial nomenclature is the name Felis concolor (colored cat (Spanish) or the common mountain lion). His method used kingdoms, genera and species. Kingdoms were the broadest level of classification and only consisted of the categories: animalia and plantae. These two categories were then separated into genera and finally the genera were separated into species. This method is still used today but with minor modifications, we have 5 kingdoms instead of 2 and a few more taxonomic ranks. The taxonomic ranks in order are Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, family, Genus, Species. This method is more precise and allows us to specifically name each organism we encounter without confusion (opinion) since it has smaller categories and utilizes binomial nomenclature.
In conclusion the way we have classified living organisms has changed as time progressed. We went from a crude, easy-to-use system with broad categories to one that is very specific but more difficult to understand. Each system had its imperfections and differences; Aristotle’s system was based on both traits and behavior while Carolus’ only used traits. The way each individual categorized living organisms was different as well. Both used animals and plants as their broadest category but from there everything was different. Carolus used a few of the eight taxonomic ranks, (kingdom, genus, and species) while Aristotle had no such thing. If we manage to continue to progress in the science of classification at our current rate, I predict we will soon be able to classify organisms based on their DNA which will permit us to create even smaller taxonomic ranks and allow us to understand life on a more profound level.
Reflection
Unit: Just So Stories
Objective: Students will read Kipling’s Just So Stories and work to write and revise their own Just So Stories. They will identify a topic under the above capstone which will be a variation of Kipling’s Just So Stories. They will create and write their stories focusing on the use of dialogue. They will read their stories to a group of 1st and 2nd graders who will then draw pictures for the Just So Stories.
ODE Benchmarks Addressed: WRTP A, WRTP C-E, WRTA A
1. How do the Just So Stories relate to our Classification Capstone? Explain in detail.
The Just So Stories relate to our classification capstone in the fact that we had to write a story under the categories that were given to us, which were Just So Stories and animals.
2. What did you like and/or dislike about writing your own Just So Story? Explain in detail?
I liked that I could write about whatever I pleased as long as it was under the category that was given to us. What I disliked was the fact that we needed 2 revisions during the writing process. Otherwise I guess the experience was fun.
3. What was your experience working with the elementary students? Give a detailed summary of your experience.
The kids only seemed to pay attention for a few seconds before talking about something that did not relate to the story. In one case the children didn’t pay attention at all. That was probably just my luck though. They didn’t understand the story either; even after I explained it to them more than once in a more simplified version (like a summary). They just sat there and stared at me pretending to pay attention but when asked what the story was about they didn’t know what to say. This may have been because my story was extremely boring or because the children just had short attention spans.
4. Would you work with elementary students in the future? Give 3 examples of how we can work with elementary students in all subject areas.
I suppose I would be o.k. with working with elementary students.
1. Life Sciences: We could collect or analyze plants or animals (garden) with the kids.
2. Math: have them help with our robots.
3. Engineering: replicate the egg drop and allow the children to help.
Our studies at Squire Valley farm yielded the following results. The Forest is mainly composed of maple trees and as a rare occurrence we encountered a black cherry tree. The average tree density is one tree for every 10.2 square feet. The average diameter of trees is 15.1 centimeters. The trees ranged from 2.5 centimeters to 25.5 centimeters.
In Short:
1. AVG Tree DBH = 15.1 centimeters.
2. AVG Density = For every 10.2 square feet there is a tree.
3. Composed of = Red Maple trees, black cherry
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