Unlocking Life's Code: Exploring Taxonomy and the Tree of Life

Biology Grades High School 12:41 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the fascinating world of taxonomy, from Linnaeus' initial classification system to modern methods using genetic evidence, and understand how humans fit into the grand scheme of life.

Video Resource

Taxonomy and the Tree of Life

Khan Academy

Duration: 12:41
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Taxonomy as the science of classifying organisms.
  • Linnaean classification system (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species).
  • The role of evolutionary relationships and genetic evidence in modern taxonomy.
  • The hierarchical nature of biological classification reflecting evolutionary relationships.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define taxonomy and explain its importance.
  • Students will be able to list the major levels of the Linnaean classification system in order.
  • Students will be able to describe how modern taxonomy utilizes evolutionary relationships and genetic evidence.
  • Students will be able to explain the relationship between common ancestry and classification.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by introducing Carl Linnaeus and the concept of taxonomy. Briefly explain that taxonomy is the science of classifying living things, setting the stage for a deeper dive.
  • Video Viewing (15 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Taxonomy and the Tree of Life.' Instruct students to take notes on key terms, the Linnaean system, and the evolution of taxonomy.
  • Discussion (15 mins)
    Facilitate a class discussion about the video. Focus on the Linnaean classification system, the use of genetic evidence in modern taxonomy, and the challenges and nuances of classification (taxonomy as both a science and an art).
  • Activity: Classifying Organisms (20 mins)
    Provide students with a list of organisms (e.g., lion, tiger, house cat, wolf, dog). Have them work individually or in small groups to classify these organisms using the Linnaean system, researching online if necessary. Then, discuss their findings and any challenges they encountered.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts of the lesson and answer any remaining questions. Preview the next lesson, which could delve deeper into specific taxonomic groups or evolutionary relationships.

Interactive Exercises

  • Taxonomy Card Sort
    Create cards with different organisms and taxonomic levels (Kingdom, Phylum, etc.). Students sort the organisms into the correct categories and arrange the categories in the correct order. This reinforces the hierarchical nature of the classification system.

Discussion Questions

  • What are the advantages of having a standardized system for classifying organisms?
  • How has our understanding of evolution changed the way we classify organisms?
  • Why is taxonomy sometimes considered an 'art' as well as a science?
  • How does the classification of an organism reflect its evolutionary history and relationship to other organisms?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Information literacy
  • Classification and organization
  • Data Analysis and Interpretation

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Who is considered the father of modern taxonomy?

Correct Answer: Carl Linnaeus

Question 2:

Which of the following is the broadest (most inclusive) level of classification in the Linnaean system?

Correct Answer: Kingdom

Question 3:

In the binomial nomenclature system, each species is given a two-part name consisting of its:

Correct Answer: Genus and Species

Question 4:

Which type of evidence is most useful in determining how recently two species diverged from a common ancestor?

Correct Answer: DNA sequence data

Question 5:

Humans belong to the genus 'Homo'. What is our species name?

Correct Answer: sapiens

Question 6:

Which of the following classifications do humans belong to?

Correct Answer: Chordate

Question 7:

Which level of classification comes directly after Family?

Correct Answer: Genus

Question 8:

What is the definition of taxonomy?

Correct Answer: The classification of living things

Question 9:

Which is more specific: Genus or Family?

Correct Answer: Genus

Question 10:

What characteristic defines mammals?

Correct Answer: Produce milk

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The science of classifying organisms is called ________.

Correct Answer: taxonomy

Question 2:

The Linnaean system classifies organisms into a hierarchy of levels, starting with ________ as the broadest category.

Correct Answer: kingdom

Question 3:

The two-part scientific name of a species consists of its ________ and ________.

Correct Answer: genus, species

Question 4:

Modern taxonomy uses ________ evidence to determine how closely related two species are.

Correct Answer: DNA

Question 5:

Humans belong to the genus ________.

Correct Answer: Homo

Question 6:

The phylum ________ includes all animals with a spinal cord.

Correct Answer: chordata

Question 7:

Animals belong to the Kingdom ________.

Correct Answer: Animalia

Question 8:

Organisms with complex cell structures are in the ________ domain.

Correct Answer: Eukarya

Question 9:

Bacteria are an example of ________ life forms.

Correct Answer: prokaryotic

Question 10:

The great apes belong to the family ________.

Correct Answer: Hominidae

Educational Standards

B.LS4.1:Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence. B.LS4.2:Construct an explanation based on evidence that biological diversity is influenced by (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment. B.LS1.1:Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

Teaching Materials

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