Classification of Animals Overview

Classification of Animals

Classification of Animals means grouping animals into different categories based on their features. The animal kingdom and classification system help us study animals and understand their similarities and differences. Animals are mainly divided into two important groups: non-chordates animals, which do not have a backbone, and chordates animals, which have a backbone.

These groups are further divided into smaller groups like mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects. By learning the 5 classification of animals with examples, we can better understand the diversity of life on Earth. So, keep reading to learn more about the animal kingdom and classification.

Read More: Heat and Temperature

Animal Kingdom and Classification 

Animal Kingdom and Classification include all animals on Earth. It is also called the Kingdom Animalia. Animals are living beings that move, eat food for energy, and have special cells and tissues. Most animals reproduce sexually and show complex body structures.

The animal classification system was first introduced by the scientist Carl Linnaeus. He grouped animals based on their features. This system divides them into smaller groups like phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Knowing this division makes it easier to study the different types of animals. To understand it better, let us learn about the classification of animals.

Read More: What is Mass?

Classification of Animals Into Chordates and Non-Chordates

In order to study animals in an easy way, scientists have divided them into two main groups: Chordates and Non-Chordates. This division helps us understand their body structure, features, and how they survive in nature. Find out what chordates and non-chordates animals are, along with their characteristics, here:

Chordates Animals

Chordate animals are those that have a notochord at some stage of their life. In many animals, this notochord later changes into a backbone. This is why most chordates are vertebrates, like fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.

Some invertebrates, such as tunicates and lancelets, are also chordates because they have a notochord but no true backbone. Here are some main features of chordates animals:

• They may be warm-blooded or cold-blooded.

• They have a true coelom and three body layers.

• A post-anal tail is present, which helps in balance.

• All chordates have an endoskeleton. Some also have an outer shell, like tortoises.

• Their regeneration power is weak.

• They have a proper digestive system.

• In their body, the gut lies below the nerve cord.

• Aquatic chordates breathe through gills, while land animals use lungs.

• Amphibians can also breathe through their skin.

Chordates animals are one of the most important groups in the animal kingdom and classification system.

Enroll Now for Kids Online Classes

Non Chordates Animals

Non chordates animals are those that do not have a notochord in their body. A notochord is a rod-like structure that supports the body in chordates. Non chordates include insects, worms, jellyfish, and mollusks. Some main features of non chordates are:

• They are cold-blooded animals.

• Their body structure can be simple or complex.

• They do not have a backbone or internal skeleton.

• Many of them have an outer covering called an exoskeleton.

• They do not have gill slits or a post-anal tail.

• Respiration mostly happens through the body surface.

• Some can regrow lost body parts, showing good regeneration power.

Non Chordates are very diverse and form a big part of the animal kingdom and classification system.

Read More: Difference Between Physical and Chemical Changes

5 Classification of Animals

The 5 classification of animals are groups of vertebrates that help us understand them better. These groups are made based on how animals live, their body structure, and how they reproduce. Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone, and they are divided into five main types. Here are the 5 classification of animals:

1. Mammals: These animals are warm-blooded. They have hair or fur on their bodies. They give birth to live young and feed them with milk.

2. Birds: These are warm-blooded animals with feathers, wings, and beaks. They lay eggs, and most of them can fly.

3. Reptiles: These are cold-blooded animals. Their bodies are covered with dry scales. They usually lay eggs.

4. Amphibians: These animals can live both on land and in water. They are cold-blooded, have smooth skin, and lay eggs in water.

5. Fish: They live in water. They are cold-blooded and breathe using gills. Their bodies are covered with scales. 

Also Read: Reproduction in Plants

Animal Classification Examples

Animal classification examples help us understand how animals are grouped based on their features. These examples show different kinds of animals in both chordates and non-chordates groups. They make it easier to learn about the variety of animals in the animal kingdom. 

Benefits of Classification of Animals

Classification of animals is important because it has many benefits, such as:

• Makes learning easier: There are millions of animals in the world. Classification groups animals with similar features. This makes it easier to study a group instead of every single animal.
• Shows how animals are related: Classification helps us see which animals come from the same ancestors. It also explains how animals have changed over time.
• Gives a common name system: Every animal gets a scientific name. This stops confusion from different local names. For example, a lion is called Panthera leo worldwide.
• Helps predict animal traits: If we know an animal’s group, we can guess some of its traits. For example, mammals usually have hair, are warm-blooded, and feed milk to their young.

Read More: Human Digestive System

Boost Your Child’s Confidence in Science With CuriousJr

Many parents see that their child struggles with science and other subjects after school while doing homework. Not having enough time, help to clear doubts, and proper guidance make it hard for children to understand Maths, Science, Social Science, and English. This can lower their confidence and marks in exams.

CuriousJr’s Online Science Tuition Classes are designed to help children from Class 3 to Class 9 learn after school with ease and confidence. Here’s what CuriousJr offers:

• Daily live classes from 6 PM to 9 PM to fit your child’s routine.

• Dedicated homework support to clear doubts.

• Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTM) and report cards to track progress.

• Dedicated mentors for personalized guidance.

• Two-teacher model: a primary teacher for lessons and a secondary teacher for doubt clearing after class.

• Flexible learning from home.

• Practice questions to strengthen understanding.

• Curriculum aligned with CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards.

Book a demo class today to explore how CuriousJr can help your child enjoy science and other subjects while building strong knowledge and confidence.