EnviroKids January 2019 Issue

Classification of Animals

Arachnids South Africa is home to over 3000 known species of Spiders. Although most are harmless, there are several dangerous Spiders in South Africa to look out for. These include: Button Spider, Black Widow, Brown Button, Violin Spider, Sac Spider, Baboon Spider, and Six-eyed Sand Spider.

Vertebrates An animal with a backbone or spinal column.

Birds Our warm-blooded feathery friends lay eggs and have hollow bones that allow them to fly. The Hummingbird is the smallest living bird in the world, while the ostrich is the largest at around 2m tall. Did you know, the chicken is the most common bird found around the world?

Insects Bugs, Beetles, Butterflies and Moths. Insects big and small can be found in every corner of our country. Did you know, insects are the most diverse animal group on Earth, making up 90% of all animal species?

Mammals Mammals are warm-blooded, hairy/fury and all (apart from the Duck-Billed Platypus) give birth to their babies, which are then fed on their mother’s milk. Did you know, mammals have a larger, more developed brain than other animals? Chimpanzees, Dolphins, Dogs, and human beings, are considered the most intelligent mammals.

Other Invertebrates include: • Protozoa - single-cell organisms. • Flatworms - Think Tapeworms. • Annelid Worms - Earthworms • Coelenterates - Jellyfish. • Myriapods - lots of legs, like Milipeeds.

Echinoderms These are spiny-sea creatures including Star Fish. Did you know, Echi- noderms have no blood? These predators usually have five or a multiple of five parts, that surround a central point.

Invertebrates An animal lacking a backbone.

Fish Fish are cold-blooded, have scales on their bodies, gills for breathing and live in water. They usually lay eggs, although some give birth like mammals. Did you know, fish were around even before dinosaurs?

Molluscs Molluscs include Snails, Slugs, Mussels, and Octopi. Most Snails have a hard outer shell that protects their spineless bodies. They usually live in water or damp habitats.

Reptiles These cold-blooded creatures lay eggs. Crocodiles, Lizards, Turtles and Snakes are some of the reptiles we know well. Did you know, reptile’s have smaller brains than mammals?

Crustaceans Shrimp, Crabs, Lobsters, Barnacles and Hermit Crabs are all crustaceans. Most crustaceans live in the sea, and have hard shells on the outside of their bodies (which act as their skeletons).

Amphibians Slimy amphibians lay eggs in water. They are cold-blooded creatures with unique features. Frogs and Salamanders are well-known amphibians.

Learn These Words! A herbivore is an animal that eats plants. A carnivore is an animal that eats other animals. An omnivore is an animal or person that eats both plants and animals. 19

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