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Material Detail

Classification of Living Things

Classification of Living Things

Short tutorials on on the Linnean classification system, using primarily vertebrate examples. Each tutorial includes nice illustrative photos and figures, a multiple choice quiz that gives prompt feedback on correct or incorrect answers, and a glossary.
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More about this material

Material Type:
Presentation
Date Added to MERLOT:
July 18, 2000
Date Modified in MERLOT:
September 6, 2019
Author:
 
Hispanic Serving Institution
Submitter:
Jeff Bell
Hispanic Serving Institution
Primary Audience:
College General Ed
Technical Format:
Website
Mobile Compatibility:
Not specified at this time
Technical Requirements:
800 x 600 color monitor and a 4.0 or higher browser
Language:
English
Cost Involved:
No
Source Code Available:
No
Creative Commons:
No

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Comments

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Bibi Singh
Bibi Singh (Student)
9 years ago
The resources were relevant for lesson and appropriate pictures were provided.
Time spent reviewing site: 30 mins
Nichola Smith-Burke
Nichola Smith-Burke (Student)
9 years ago
The resources contains child friendly materials such as brightly coloured pictures which can help to enhance the the teaching of the lesson.
Time spent reviewing site: 35 mins
michelle john
michelle john (Student)
9 years ago
I found the resources to be very informative and useful.
Time spent reviewing site: 30mins.
Gale David
Gale David (Teacher (K-12))
9 years ago

Illustrations used here are comprehensible and suit their purpose. Using the scientific names for the classification rather than the conventional names we are accustomed to were refreshing. With a few minor adjustments, the content could be taught at the primary level.

keshawn lucas
keshawn lucas (Student)
9 years ago
pictures were precised. most of the information are applicable to the upper primary level
Time spent reviewing site: 30
keshawn lucas
keshawn lucas (Student)
9 years ago
pictures were precised. most of the information are applicable to the upper primary level
Time spent reviewing site: 30
Bruce Stewart
Bruce Stewart (Faculty)
20 years ago
I would link to this site for my students except for a few problems that I consider important in my teaching. First, the only species concept used is the Biological Species Concept. I would suggest that this be broadened to include other important species concepts such as the Phylogenetic Species Concept and Evolutionary Species Concept. It seems that we often oversimplify the species issue to the point that we fail to teach biological realities. You might see the following paper for some thoughts of the value of teaching species concepts:
Chung, Carl. 2004. The species problem and the value of teaching the complexities of species. The American Biology Teacher, 66(6):413-417.

There is also an error that may seem minor, but it is in direct conflict with concepts I try to teach to my students. This is the species name. In the table of taxa, "sapiens" is listed as the human species name. It is not; "sapiens" is the specific epithet. The species name is a binomial, and the table is simply perpetuating a common misunderstanding that students have about this.



A third problem I have noticed after revisiting this site is that the several of the pronunciations are in error. Dipthongs should nearly always be pronounced as a single vowel sound but with the SECOND vowel long and the first vowel silent. It is true that many teachers and biologists in general are not consistent in this; however, a teaching web site with audio should have this correct. A useful reference that has a section on pronunciation of scientific terms is Triplehorn, Charles A. and Norman F. Johnson. 2005. Borror and Delongs's Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th ed. Brooks/Cole. 864pp. (ISBN# 0-03-096835-6) The topic is covered in excellent detail in Chapter 3 entitled "Systematics, Classification, Nomenclature, and Identification."

Used in course? Yes
Jim Bidlack
Jim Bidlack (Faculty)
25 years ago
Here's a really cool reference for General Biology students interested in
learning about classification systems. It provides a great overview of how
organisms are classified and well-written text about taxonomy. Excellent
diagrams and illustrations make this a fun learning experience for those who
view the site.