Module 9: Classification – The Basics
Now that you have examined the science of taxonomy, you will use your knowledge during a trip to a local park, zoo, or aquarium. Wherever you decide to visit, you will see different types of animals and plants that live in different types of environments.
For this assessment, pick two animal species and two plant species that you find during your field investigation, and analyze each species taxonomically. You will conduct additional research on these species when you return home. Create one poster for the two animal species and another poster for the two plant species.
Each of your posters should include the following information.
- A picture of each species
- The full taxonomic information, including: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species
- The scientific name (using binomial nomenclature) and common name
- The common ancestor of each organism (if applicable) and two other organisms closely related to the organism
- Three unique facts about each organism that distinguishes it from other members of its genus
Before you begin, access the Classification Posters Checklist to make sure that you include all of the items required for full credit. You will need to use resources outside of this course to complete this assignment, so please submit a Works Cited document with your assignment submission. If you need assistance, visit the Developmental Module for information on citing any resources that you use.
Options to create your pamphlet include the following:
- Hand-draw the poster and then take a picture of it for submission to the assignment's dropbox.
- Hand-draw the poster and then scan it for submission to the assignment's dropbox.
- Use a template in a word-processing, presentation, paint, or graphics program and utilize the software to create the poster. You can then submit your work to the assignment's dropbox.
- Use a mobile or computer-based application to create your poster and email or export the final product for submission to the assignment's dropbox.
Reflection
Once you have completed your posters, respond to the following questions in a four- to five-sentence paragraph. Consider the information that was provided to you at the park, zoo, or aquarium that you visited. Do you think the scientific information presented was adequate for other visitors to understand the history and taxonomy of these organisms? What could parks, zoos, or aquariums do to further educate the visitors?
Once you have completed your posters and your written reflection, please submit your work to the dropbox.
Once you have completed this module, please complete the module test.