Key learning points

1. Although animals can be very different from each other many have similar features that allow us to put them into groups.
2. Animals can be grouped by their observable characteristics.
3. Observable characteristics can include information about colour, size, shape and structure.
4. The process of grouping animals based on their similarities and differences is called classification.
5. Animals can be classified into mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and birds by observing body covering and structure.

Keywords

• Observe - To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.

• Groups - Groups contain similar objects according to their features.

• Observable characteristics - An observable characteristic is a feature or property of a living thing that we can see or use our other senses to observe.

• Classify - To classify is to sort objects into groups based on their similarities and differences

Common misconception