Science Chapter 6 Lesson 5 Animals Classification

Classification of Animals

• Arthropod: An animal characterized by an outer skeleton known as an exoskeleton.
• Invertebrate: Refers to animals that lack a backbone, such as worms and grasshoppers.
• Vertebrate: Animals possessing a backbone; examples include giraffes and frogs.

Traits and Characteristics

• Trait: Inherited characteristics that can be passed from parent to offspring, such as hair and eye color.
• Endoskeleton: An internal skeletal structure found in vertebrates, made of bone or cartilage, providing support from within.
• Exoskeleton: An exterior skeleton that provides support and protection to an animal’s body, found in arthropods.

Animal Classification Criteria

• Physical Appearance: Animals can be classified based on their physical traits and body structure.
• Diet: Classification can also depend on what animals consume.
• Habitat: Where animals live is another criterion for their classification.
• Reproductive Methods: Animals can be categorized by how they reproduce, such as live birth or laying eggs.