Biological Classification of Organisms: An Open-Ended Investigation
Open Ended Investigation aim To photograph six different organisms (not including humans), classify them to the level of ‘family’, determine one characteristic that places them in each of their groups, and then use those organisms to construct a dichotomous key.
Method
Collecting Photographs of Organisms
1. Walk to a location with natural flora and fauna. (In this case I went to the Jim Ring Reserve)
2. Photograph at least two different species of ducks, and if possible, other birds which reside in the Jim Ring Reserve. Make sure your photos have good visibility on the characteristics of the animal.
a. If suitable photos cannot be taken from the Reserve, take a picture of an animal you own (a dog, a cat etc.).
3. Photograph at least two different species of plants or trees, taking a photo of the whole body of the flora as well as important notable features of the flora.
4. Photograph at least two different species of insects, at least with visibility of the important characteristics of the organism. identifying and researching each organism
1. Analyse the obvious features and characteristics of the animals in the photographs taken. (note their facial and body characteristics, such as feather colours and shape of beak)
2. Search in a site or a book for the type of species of the animal you have taken a photo of which reside in Australia, gaining information about the Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, and the Family of your animal.
3. After gaining information about the Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, and the Family of your organism, research the features of the organism which places them in those groups.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the plants which you have chosen.
5. Repeat steps 1-3 for the insects which you have chosen. creating a dichotomous key
1. Research and distinguish the most general traits that can be used to divide organisms into two categories. These traits should be exclusive to that organism’s biological classification, and should not be features which both
Method
Collecting Photographs of Organisms
1. Walk to a location with natural flora and fauna. (In this case I went to the Jim Ring Reserve)
2. Photograph at least two different species of ducks, and if possible, other birds which reside in the Jim Ring Reserve. Make sure your photos have good visibility on the characteristics of the animal.
a. If suitable photos cannot be taken from the Reserve, take a picture of an animal you own (a dog, a cat etc.).
3. Photograph at least two different species of plants or trees, taking a photo of the whole body of the flora as well as important notable features of the flora.
4. Photograph at least two different species of insects, at least with visibility of the important characteristics of the organism. identifying and researching each organism
1. Analyse the obvious features and characteristics of the animals in the photographs taken. (note their facial and body characteristics, such as feather colours and shape of beak)
2. Search in a site or a book for the type of species of the animal you have taken a photo of which reside in Australia, gaining information about the Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, and the Family of your animal.
3. After gaining information about the Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, and the Family of your organism, research the features of the organism which places them in those groups.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the plants which you have chosen.
5. Repeat steps 1-3 for the insects which you have chosen. creating a dichotomous key
1. Research and distinguish the most general traits that can be used to divide organisms into two categories. These traits should be exclusive to that organism’s biological classification, and should not be features which both