Hierarchies of Life

Experiment 1: Classification of Common Objects

Data Tables (15 points)

 

Post-Lab Questions

1. Did you find that the items grouped together as you worked down the flow chart had similar characteristics in terms of their appearance? What about function? (10 points)

A lot of the groups had similar characteristics and function, until I looked deeper into then as I continued down the list of questions. For example, a candle and a Scentsy are similar in function and characteristics, as they both give off pleasant smells. But if you were to ask if they use fire, you’d be able to differentiate the two.

2. Do you feel that the questions asked were appropriate? What questions would you have asked to devise this classification flow chart? What objects would be grouped together with your system? (10 points)

I had to look over the chart a few times and soon made sense of the flow. I found myself conflicted on some of the answers as well, not agreeing with some entirely. For example, I don’t think a hex nut is cylindrical or round. It has sides, similar to pens and pencils where the style if hex like.

3. Do you think it is more or less challenging to classify living organisms in comparison to objects? Why? (10 points)

 

4. Pick 10 household items (e.g. spoon, book, paper clip, etc.) and design a taxonomic classification system to categorize them, similar to the one in Figure 8. Make sure you ask enough yes/no questions so that each item ends up in its own box or category at the end. (10 points)

 

 

Experiment 2: Classification of Organisms

Data Tables (10 points)

Table 2: Classification of Organisms

Organism	Domain	Kingdom	Defined Nucleus	Mobile	Photosynthesis	Unicellular
Salmonella	Bacteria	Genus	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ants	Eukarya	Animalia	Yes	Yes	No	No
Zoo Flagellate	Eukarya	Protozoa	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Wolf	Eukarya	Animalia	Yes	Yes	No	No
Morning Glory	Eukarya	Plantae	Yes	No	Yes	No
Euglena	Eukarya	Protozoa	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Shiitake	Eukarya	Fungi	Yes	No	No	No
Pseudomonas	Bacteria	Bacteria	No	Yes	No	Yes
Spruce	Eukarya	Planta	Yes	No	Yes	No
Death Cap Mushroom	Eukarya	Fungi	Yes	No	No	No

 

Post-Lab Questions

 

1. Did this series of questions correctly organize each organism? Why or why not? (10 points)

2. Do you feel that the questions asked were appropriate? What questions would you have asked? (10 points)

3. Which kingdom do you believe is most challenging to categorize correctly? Explain your answer (10 points)

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