Keys and Kingdoms Assignment

Question

Instructions: Your task is to study the physical features of ten creatures and classify them using the key. Complete each section below and record the creature's scientific name in the data section.
Student Name:
Data: Use the following key to help you complete the field study.

New Fabula Creatures Taxonomic Key
Step Physical Feature Classification
1 Smooth skin Go to 2
Fur Go to 3
2 One eye Go to 4
Two eyes Go to 5
3 One eye Go to 7
Two eyes Go to 8
4 Arms and legs Silkus monowrestle
Legs only Silkus monosquirmus
5 Arms and legs Go to 6
Legs only Silkus duosquirmus
6 Tail Silkus tallyhas
No tail Silkus stretchilus
7 Tail Fuzzus tallywag
No tail Fuzzus feelzalot
8 Two teeth Go to 9
More than two teeth Fuzzus chompilus
9 Pointy teeth Fuzzus pointilus
Square teeth Fuzzus squarilus
Fill in the chart with each creature's scientific name based on your field study observations.
Creature Scientific Name
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10


Summary: In the space below, write a summary of how you completed your field study and how you classified the organisms. You may write your summary as a numbered list, like a procedure, if you choose.

Conclusion: Now that you have classified the organisms on planet Fabula, answer the following questions.

Questions Answers
1. How many different species are there?
2. How many different genus groups are there? List them.

3a. Do you think all of these creatures would belong in the same Kingdom?
3b. Why or why not? a.
b.
4. Explain in your own words the order in which the creature's traits may have evolved, starting from the first likely trait. (Hint: Which trait is most common across the creatures?)

Answer 1

Data

| Creature | Scientific Name | |----------|-----------------------------| | 1 | Silkus monowrestle | | 2 | Silkus stretchilus | | 3 | Silkus tallyhas | | 4 | Silkus duosquirmus | | 5 | Fuzzus chompilus | | 6 | Fuzzus pointilus | | 7 | Fuzzus feelzalot | | 8 | Silkus tallyhas | | 9 | Fuzzus squarilus | | 10 | Fuzzus tallywag |

Summary

1. Observed the physical characteristics of each creature, focusing on attributes such as skin type, number of eyes, and limb structures.
2. Used the provided taxonomic key to classify each creature based on their features by following the steps sequentially for each observation.
3. Recorded the scientific names corresponding to the classifications made throughout the observations.
4. Ensured that all creatures were categorized accurately, taking note of distinguishing features that set them apart.

Conclusion

1. There are 10 different species identified based on their specific traits and classifications.
2. There are 3 different genus groups:
   • Silkus
   • Fuzzus 3a. Do you think all of these creatures would belong in the same Kingdom?
   • Yes. 3b. Why or why not?
   • Because they all share similar biological characteristics, such as being multicellular and exhibiting various forms of movement or locomotion.
3. The order in which the creature's traits may have evolved likely starts with the presence of smooth skin or fur, as these are common characteristics across the creatures. From there, the ability to have one or two eyes and then the development of limbs or other features such as tails and types of teeth can be noted as adaptations to their environments over time. Traits would evolve from simpler forms to more complex ones to better suit survival and reproduction needs.