Taxonomic ranks and arthropod traits

Abstract

This activity is designed to introduce students to basic taxonomic classification using arthropods and insects as the primary model taxa. The activity has been created for 100-level Entomology students in the General Education requirements for non-science majors. The activity will be presented within the first few weeks of the semester, and will help students identify the overall structure of a taxonomic tree, as well as to identify shared characteristics of arthropods and common traits shared by insects. Students will practice information processing through the use of graphical and tabular data, and critical thinking by using those data to make evidence supported inferences about unknown variables.

Level: Undergraduate non-science majors

Setting: Classroom or Laboratory

Activity Type: Learning Cycle

Discipline: Entomology

Course: Insects and People, Discover Insects Lab (Entom 101, Entom 103)

Keywords: Arthropod, insects, taxonomy, classification