Types of insects

Types of insects

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
This task is about identifying common and different features used to classify some insects.
insect-option-1.png insect option 2 insect option 3
insect option 4 insect option 5 insect option 6
Sub group A
(legs underneath)
 Sub group B Sub group C
[Not drawn to scale]

Question 2Change answer

a) All the animals drawn are insects.
What are two features that separate insects from all other animals?
1.
2.
 

Question 2Change answer

b)  These animals belong to three different subgroups of insects labelled A, B, and C.
i)  Apart from any size differences, and the fact that the legs can't be seen in A, what is the main difference you can see between subgroup A and B?
 
ii)  In subgroup A there are two insects shown.
     What feature could be used to distinguish between these two?

Question 2Change answer

c)  i)  What are the insects of subgroup C known as? 
 
     ii) The outer wings in subgroup C are hard coverings; there is another pair of wings underneath.
          What is the purpose of the hard outer wings?
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online. 
Copyright: 
NZCER sketch
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Science, Investigating in science, Living World
Keywords: 
evolution, classification, insects, observation
Description of task: 
Students are provided with six drawings of different types of insects. They use the drawings to explain two features of insects and to explain differences between the insects illustrated.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss when we look very carefully and notice lots of things it helps us describe how things are similar and different.
 
 

 
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data
Making Better Sense: 
Insects
Answers/responses: 
 

Y9 (03/1999)
a)   Any 2 of:

  • 3 parts to body
  • 6 legs
  • antennae
 2 correct – difficult

1 correct – moderate
b)
i)
ii)
Members of group A have 2 pairs/4 wings (or reverse of, i.e., B has 1 pair of wings).
Shape of antennae, or visual appearance of abdomen or shape of wing/shape of thorax.
moderate
easy
c)
i)
ii)
Beetles.
Provide protection (for more delicate wing).
easy
moderate