What is classification? | Year 4 Science PDF Download

Classification

• Classification is the process of grouping things based on their similarities and differences. 
• In the case of living things, classification involves looking at how they look and behave to organize them into specific groups.

Animals

Animals are broadly categorized into two main groups: vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates are animals with a backbone (spine), while invertebrates are animals without a backbone.

Vertebrates

Vertebrates are further divided into five distinct groups:

• Fish
• Amphibians (e.g., frogs and toads)
• Reptiles (e.g., snakes and crocodiles)
• Birds
• Mammals (e.g., humans, dogs, and dolphins)

Invertebrates

Invertebrates also encompass various groups with different characteristics:

• Invertebrates with soft bodies, such as jellyfish, worms, and mollusks (like slugs and squids)
• Invertebrates with hard bodies, such as insects, crustaceans, and spiders

This classification system helps us understand and organize the vast diversity of animal life on Earth. By categorizing animals based on their shared features, we can better study and appreciate the incredible variety of creatures that inhabit our planet.