Classifying plants

Classifying plants

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about using a classification key to identify plants.

Classification key for vascular plants 

vascular plants classification key

Under each diagram, write the name or number of the major plant group that the plant belongs to.

 

a)     ____________________

cabbage tree and leaf  

b)     ____________________

 

c)     ____________________

  

d)     ____________________
[Not drawn to scale]

Source: Diagrams from "Trees and Shrubs of NZ", L. Poole, N. Adams.

Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper. 
Copyright: 
Images: Copyright 'Trees and Shrubs of Zealand' by Lindsay Poole and Nancy Adams, Manaaki Whenua Press. Permission to use courtesy of Manaaki Whenua Press (27 January 2006).
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Communicating in science, Living World
Keywords: 
evolution, classification, plants, keys, classification keys
Description of task: 
Task: use a key to identify which major group 4 plants belong to. Assessment focus: using a key to classify plants.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss the purposes of identification keys and how to read them.
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Making Better Sense: 
Generic/Mixture
Answers/responses: 
 

Y8 (06/1998)
a) Gymnosperm or 2 easy
b) Monocotyledon or 3 moderate
c) Dicotyledon or 4 easy
d) Fern or 1 very easy