Have you ever tried to observe and classify the living things in your surroundings? What are the main differences among these living things? Have you ever thought how many living things exist on earth? And how are they classified into plants and animals?

In this chapter you will learn about

• Introduction to the main kingdoms (Bacteria, Algae, Fungi, Plants and Animals)
• Classification of the kingdoms.
• Classification and characteristics of animals (vertebrates and invertebrates)
• Classification and characteristics of plants (flowering and non flowering plants)
• Classification of flowering plants (monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants)
• Characteristics of monocot and dicot plants (leaf shape, venation, seed and number of floral leaves)

Does this creature look like a plant or an animal? Is it a plant or an animal? Can you explain your answer?

All the students will be able to:

• Define classification.
• Explain the need and importance of classification.
• Differentiate between vertebrates and invertebrates according to key characteristics.
• Identify vertebrates and invertebrates from their
• Classify vertebrates into mammals, reptiles, fish, birds and amphibians on the basis of their characteristics.
• Identify key characteristics of worms and insects.
• Compare flowering and non-flowering plants.
• Classify the flowering plants into two major groups and give examples of each group.
• Compare the structure of monocot and a dicot
• Compare the structure of monocot and a dicot leaf in terms of its shape and venation.
• Differentiate between the structure of monocot and dicot flower in terms of number of floral leaves.

"I am neither classified under plants nor animals."

Why?