Animal Classifications "Animals are classified in a variety of ways. This helps scientists to study the relationships in animal groups and to see the whole animal family tree as it has developed through time. The study of animal classification is called taxonomy." The author continues by explaining the animal grouping system, listing the groups in order from largest to smallest. Links are provided to an animal classification quiz and a crossword puzzle using the different animal phyla. An extensive list of links is provided to other related animal sites.

Animal Classification

Classification of Living Things

A Cow is A Cow - a quiz of scientific names for animals

Extreme Animals - fast facts about animals

Introduction to Classification (the District firewall blocks this site, but it may be accessed from remote locations.)  http://www.angelfire.com/mo2/animals1/taxonomy.html- "All living things are divided into seven categories using Latin terms that can be understood worldwide." The author explains each category beginning with the largest category, Kingdom. A very understandable explanation is provided about the confusing topic of sub-categories. "It should be noted that most animals are given common names recognized outside of the scientific community and that these names may be different in each country." Explanations are clear and easy to understand. A weakness of this site is the red text on the blue background, which may make it difficult to read.

Metazoa  Metazoa are one of the five kingdoms that make up life on earth. Metazoa include all animal life. On this site you can explore some of the hundreds of animals included in the Metazoa kingdom. Look at the pictures of sponges, jellyfish, scorpions, snails, starfish, and squid to name a few. You can find out the scientific names for all of these animals and learn the class to which they belong. Link to more information about dozens of mammals too!

The Taxon Lift at the University of California Museum of Paleontology

Tree of Life at University of Arizona