ClassificationClassification is the act of is the act of distributing things into distributing things into classes or categories of the classes or categories of the same type. same type.

• Aristotle was the first to form a useful Aristotle was the first to form a useful form of classification in 300 B.C. form of classification in 300 B.C.

• His was organized on the organisms His was organized on the organisms blood color. blood color.

• Then he later organized by physical Then he later organized by physical characteristics.characteristics.

As science advanced, a more modern As science advanced, a more modern form of classification developed…form of classification developed…

• One founder of modern classification One founder of modern classification is Swedish naturalist Carolus is Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus.Linnaeus.

• He developed a system that organized He developed a system that organized by special features an organism had. by special features an organism had.

• He also founded binomial nomenclature He also founded binomial nomenclature for naming.for naming.

•The modern classification system has The modern classification system has become much more advanced. become much more advanced.

•Classification makes everyday life Classification makes everyday life easier by putting organisms in a easier by putting organisms in a useful system. useful system.

•Classification helps us to group the Classification helps us to group the organisms we live with every day. organisms we live with every day.

•Classification also lets us have a Classification also lets us have a system for reference and will system for reference and will continue to help as we study the continue to help as we study the organisms around us.organisms around us.

*Cartilaginous- skeleton of cartilage

*Aquatic- lives in water

*scales/denticles- small flat plates that fit together to form skin covering (tooth shaped)

*lateral line- sensory organs along side of fish to help navigate and sense other creatures

*gill filaments-threadlike; part of gills that are filled with blood vessels; where they basically breathe

*gill cover- bones (cartilage) of fish’s head that cover gills

Is the body kite-like if viewed from top ?

Yes

No

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Is there a small dorsal fin present at Is there a small dorsal fin present at the tip of the tail?the tip of the tail?

Yes

No

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This organism belongs to the family This organism belongs to the family RajidaeRajidae..

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If pelvic fin is absent, click this button

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If six gill slits are present, click this button

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If only one dorsal fin, click this button

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If mouth is at the front of the snout rather on the underside of the head, click this button

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This is the whale shark. It belongs to family rhincodontidae. Like all sharks, the whale shark is cold-blooded. The whale shark can be 18

meters in length and exceed 10 tons! The whale shark mainly feeds on plankton, sardines, squid, and anchovies. It resides mostly in Western

Australia. Whale sharks are often confused with whales because of their size and non-violent tendencies.

Does the body look kite-like if viewed from top?

No Yes

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Pelvic fin absent or present?

Absent Present

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This organism is in family pristiophoridae.

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This is the cow shark. It is part of the family Hexanchidae. Cow sharks can be about 3 to 4 meters long. They usually live deep down in

warm, temperate seas. Cow sharks can have anywhere from 22 to 108 pups at a time!

Classification helps scientists characterize traits and specifics on organisms.

We use classification to put all of earth’s known organisms into group and families.

Dichotomous Keys help us to figure out what genus and species an animal falls under.

For example, if a new organism was discovered, a scientist would go through a Dichotomous Key to try to find out the subject’s kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.