Groups of living things

Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone (vertebral column). The backbone helps protect the spinal cord and gives the body its shape. The vertebrates are divided into five subgroups:

Mammals

1. They have mammary glands (for milk production).
2. Bodies are covered with hair.
3. They are warm-blooded (maintain a constant body temperature).
4. Most give birth to live young. Examples: humans, lions, elephants.

Fish

Catfish

Tilapia

1. Live in water.
2. Have gills for breathing and scales for protection.
3. Cold-blooded (their body temperature changes with the environment).
4. They lay eggs.
5. Examples: tilapia, catfish.

Reptiles

Crocodile

Lizard

Tortoise

1. Have dry skin covered with hard scales.
2. Cold-blooded.
3. They lay eggs. Examples: snakes, lizards, crocodiles.

Amphibians

1. Live both in water and on land.
2. Have soft, moist skin for gas exchange.
3. Cold-blooded.
4. They reproduce by laying eggs in water. Examples: frogs, toads.

Birds

Hen

Peacock

Quail

Guineafowl

1. Have feathers that help with temperature regulation and flight.
2. Have wings.
3. Warm-blooded (maintain a constant body temperature).
4. Lay eggs. Examples: eagles, chickens, pigeons.

Snail

Earthworm

Grasshopper

1. These are animals that do not have a vertebral column (backbone).
2. Examples: snails, earthworms, grasshoppers, and insects.

Types of Plants

Water plants: These grow in water, like water hyacinths and water lilies.

Water hyacinths

Water lilies

Land plants: These grow on land, such as the baobab tree and pawpaw tree. The content contrasts how some plants are adapted to grow in water, while others are suited for land environments.

Pawpaw tree

Baobab tree

Main Parts of a Plant

The lesson explains the three main parts of a plant: roots, stem, and leaves, and their respective functions.

Roots:

Carrot

Cassava

1. Function: absorb water, minerals, and nutrients from the soil. Roots also anchor the plant in place. In certain plants like carrots, cassava, and sweet potatoes, roots also store food.

Stem:

Onion

Function: the stem supports the plant and transports water, minerals, and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. It also stores food in certain plants like sugarcane, onions, and pineapples.

Leaves:

1. Function: the primary role of leaves is to make food for the plant through photosynthesis. Leaves have small openings called stomata that allow gases and water to move in and out of the plant, helping in regulating water loss and gas exchange.

Examples of Plants with Food Storage

• Roots: plants like carrots, cassava, and sweet potatoes store food in their roots.
• Stems: plants such as sugarcane, onions, and pineapples store food in their stems.