SI
(a) |
Identify characteristics of vertebrates and invertebrates and classify animals as vertebrates or invertebrates from drawings, videos, pictures, lists, and/or personal observations. |
(b) |
Compare and represent characteristics and behaviours (e.g., body shape, body description, method of respiration, method of reproduction, method of movement, and method of feeding) of student-selected examples of vertebrates. |
(c) |
Compare and represent characteristics and behaviours (e.g., body shape, body description, method of respiration, method of reproduction, method of movement, and method of feeding) of student-selected examples of invertebrates (e.g., arthropods, annelids, cnidarids, echinoderms, molluscs, and nematodes). |
(d) |
Propose questions for inquiry that arise from personal investigations of characteristics and behaviours of animals. |
(e) |
Suggest reasons why current biological classification systems for living things are based on structural (internal) characteristics rather than solely on physical appearance or behaviour. |
As readers progress through the book and explore the analogy to the Tree of Life, a proportionate section of the tree is shaded yellow to represent the place of each kingdom or branch within the world of living things. Once the author reaches the animal kingdom, further classification indicates the place of invertebrates and vertebrates. From there, branches on the tree represent fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Ultimately, one small yellow leaf indicates human's place on the tree. This analogy causes readers to reflect on the variety of life on Earth and on the impact humans have on all living species.
The book was compiled by and co-published with Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management.
The author describes Ookpik's journey south. He sees things for the first time, such as trees. Natural surroundings are changing as Ookpik travels from the barren Arctic to the taiga and finally arrives at his destination in the Adirondack Mountains.
The author has included additional information on the snowy owl in the back of the book.