Diversity of Plant and Animal Life

Diversity of Plant and Animal LifeDiversity of Plant and Animal Life

With an amazing diversity of more than 2 million kinds of organisms, there is a need for CLASSIFICATION.

Classification allows us to group living organisms systematically according to their common characteristics;recognise relationships between different living organisms; andhave an easy reference in identifying living organisms.

Organisms are classified into FIVE KINGDOMS

Kingdom AnimaliaInvertebrates (with no backbone)Without jointed legsWith jointed legs Vertebrates (with backbone)FishReptilesBirds AmphibiansMammals

InvertebratesAnimals without jointed legsE.g. tapeworms, liverflukesHave flat, ribbon-like bodiesParasitesFlatworms

E.g. pinworms, ascaris E.g. jellyfish E.g. spongesHave long, cylindrical bodies with pointed endsMany are parasitesSea animals with tentacles and stinging cells

Large numbers of pores present on bodiesRoundwormsStinging-cell animalsSponges Animals without jointed legs

InvertebratesAnimals without jointed legs

Invertebrates)Animals with jointed legs (Arthropods)

Vertebrates

Kingdom Plantae

Flowering plantsHave roots, stems and leavesReproduce by seedsProduce seed-bearing fruits

Non-flowering plants

Dichotomous KeyClassifies objects or organisms based on observable features Splits a group into two contrasting groups each time it branches outCan be used to identify organisms

Miscellaneoushttp://www.101science.com/Taxonomy.htmhttp://www.nbrcnparks.org/http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/