Organization of Living Things

1. Organization ofLiving Things Content Standard: 1.0 Cell Structure and Function GLE 0507.5.1 Investigate physical characteristics associated with different groups of animals.

2. All living things are made of cells. • Some organisms are made of only one cell, while others are made of trillions of cells.

3. In many multicellular organisms, there are many types of cells, each have different functions. • Cells of plants and animals contain many parts, including several types of organelles. • Like organs in the human body, organelles serve specific functions in the cell. • The types of organelles present in cells differ between plants and animals.

4. Like plants, animals are multicellular and have tissues and organs. • Animals must consume other organisms to get their food. • Animals are classified according to their differences. • One way animals can be classified is based on whether or not they have a backbone.

5. Classification • Animals without a backbone are called invertebrates. • Animals with a back bone are called vertebrates. • Scientists use a classification system that helps them identify how living things are related to one another.

6. Classification Activity • Have students put one shoe into a large pile in the classroom. • Discuss how to sort the shoes into groups that are similar or alike. • Shoes may be sorted by color, style (sandals/tennis shoes), right or left, etc. • Discuss how scientist do this with plants and animals.