Classifying Living Things (Part 2)

What You'll Learn

Living things are organized into levels: cells form tissues, tissues form organs, organs form organ systems, and organ systems make up a complete organism.

Key Words

metamorphosis
germination
pollination

Materials Needed

cups
water
plastic wrap
ruler
magnifying glass
paper towels

Safety First

Use materials only as directed in the experiment.
Keep small objects away from young children.
Work in a well-ventilated area when using vinegar or other strong-smelling substances.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Review the background information on Organic Chem before starting.

Step 2 — Do

Compare the skeletal structures of a bird wing, human arm, and whale flipper using diagrams. Identify homologous bones and write what this tells us about common ancestry.

Step 3 — Observe

Note any unexpected results and think about why they happened.

Step 4 — Record

Share your findings with the class or a partner and discuss what you learned.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What do all living things have in common?