Living Things and Classification
Year 6 classify living things into groups and use classification keys.
# Living Things and Classification
In Year 6 we sort living things into groups to make sense of the huge variety of life.
The Big Groups
Living things are often sorted into animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms. Each group has features in common. Animals feed on other living things, plants make their own food using sunlight.
Vertebrates and Invertebrates
Animals with a backbone are vertebrates, such as mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Animals without a backbone are invertebrates, such as insects and spiders. Sorting by backbone is one useful starting point.
Keys and Questions
A classification key uses a series of questions to sort organisms. Does it have a backbone? Does it lay eggs? Each answer leads to the next question until the organism is identified.
Why It Matters
Classifying helps scientists study and protect life. When we know what a creature is, we can learn what it needs and how to look after it.
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