Diversity of animals

• animals are classified as either vertebrates (animals with
• backbones) or invertebrates (animals without backbones)
• vertebrates are subdivided into five classes on the basis of
• distinguishing characteristics:
  • Fish
  • Amphibians
  • Reptiles
  • Birds
  • Mammals
• invertebrates are subdivided into the Phyla Arthropoda and Mollusca, on the basis of distinguishing characteristics
• arthropods have a hard outer covering (exoskeleton) and jointed legs, such as Insects (locust), Arachnids (spider), Crustaceans (crab)
• molluscs are soft bodied animals such as snails

(Note: Classification of all of the invertebrates is not required)

• Tell learners that animals can be sorted into two smaller groups. Ask if they can remember what these groups are.
  • vertebrates and invertebrates
• Ask learners: can you remember anything from what you have learnt about vertebrates and invertebrates in Grade 5?  Can they remember the main difference between a vertebrate and an invertebrate. 
  • The vertebrates have backbones and spinal cords while the invertebrates do not have backbones.

• Tell learners that they are going to do a quick activity to refresh their memories about vertebrates and invertebrates.
• Hand out WORKSHEET C: Vertebrates and Invertebrates (Revision) as a fun revision exercise for learners to complete.
• Ensure that learners have completed the exercise correctly (make use of WORKSHEET C MEMORANDUM).

• Provide an overview on the diversity of anminals by making use of PRESENTATION 3: Diversity of animals: 
• Show VIDEO CLIP 4: Vertebrate animals. (3.52 min.).  Tell learners that they must listen carefully, since they need to complete WORKSHEET D based on the information given in the video.

• Hand out WORKSHEET D for learners to complete whilst they are watching the video.
• Discuss answers with the learners after the video .

• Learners complete WORKSHEET E: Characteristics of Vertebrates. 
• Review answers with learners.

• Present an overview on invertebrates by utilising PRESENTATION 4:  Diversity of animals: 
• Show VIDEO CLIP 5: Invertebrate animals (5.25  minutes).
• Tell learners that they must listen carefully, since they need to complete WORKSHEET F based on the information given in the video.

• Learners complete WORKSHEET F:
• Review answers with the learners.