Classifying Living Things

Examines the ways that living things are classified into groups according to their characteristics.

Explains how scientists classify living organisms, how the science of classification has changed over time, how the natural world continues to evolve, and where everyday living things fit into the classification system.

Grouping things by similar characteristics is referred to as classification. This book is filled with information and interesting facts about the six kingdoms in which all living organisms are classified.

Describes how things in the environment--both living and nonliving--are classified by scientists.

Describes the classification system scientists use to identify and name all living organisms, and explains how animals are categorized based on certain characteristics.

Through simple yet engaging language and detailed images and charts, readers will explore the work of Aristotle, Linnaeus, Darwin, and other well-known, and some not so well-known, figures throughout history who tried to make sense of the natural world, as well as the breakthroughs and technologies that allow scientists to study organisms down to the genetic level. This book supports the Next Generation Science Standards on heredity and biological evolution by helping students understand how mutations lead to genetic variation, which in turn leads to natural selection. In addition, informative sidebars, a bibliography, and a Further Reading section with current books and educational websites will allow inquisitive minds to dive deeper into the evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Tells the story of how the science of classification has revolutionized the way we look at life on our planet.