Reef connectivity and biodiversity

Dichotomous Keys - Coupled Statements

Dichotomous Keys use coupled statements about key features that an animal may possess to help identify it.

1. Using the key below determine which phylum each animal at the bottom of the page belongs to. First select an animal, then beginning at statement one, work through all
statements until you find the one that best fits that animal.
2. Record the phylum for each animal below its image.

Classification - Phylum Mollusca

1. List some of the animals that belong in this phylum.
2. Identify the key characteristics of animals in this phylum.
3. Describe what a radula is and where it is found.

Classification Challenge Sheet Echinoderms

1. What makes them different? SeaStar, sea cucumbers and sea urchins are all grouped together because they have characteristics in common, even though each animal looks very different to the others.
2. List three characteristics that they all have in common.
3. Dichotomous keys are used by scientists to correctly identify species. Use the key below to identify the three types of echinoderms in the pictures below.

Classification - Phylum Platyhelminthes

1. Select which group of worms the name Platyhelminthes refers to.
2. Connect the following words to their meaning.
3. Identify the key characteristics of animals in this phylum.

Reef animals have some unusual behaviours at night.

Can you guess what they are?

Classification

1. Complete the table below using the information on Page 2 to help you.
2. This table lists the common features or characteristics that are used to group
animals into different Phyla. Use this information to help you to complete the
table.

Classification

1. Class features - Using the information from page 1, find examples of reef animals for each of the Classes to
complete the table below. Include the Genus and species name for each animal if you can. In
the last column, record the features of the animal that group it in this Class.
2. What’s in a name?
a. Explain how we can tell they are different species if they have the same species name?
b. Investigate what the word “lineatus” means. Record your findings below.
c. Explain why both fish have the same species name of lineatus?

This fun craft activity will have baby seahorses popping out of their dad's pouches all over the classroom.

Are reef animals born live or do they hatch from eggs? Do they look like their parents? Do their parents look after them? Students can use this worksheet to record the similarities and differences of six reef animals presented during the "Growing up on the Reef" Virtual Learning Experience.