This is the Grade 6 Science Quarter 2 Module 4 self-learning module, Animals: Characteristics of Vertebrates. It was developed by DepEd Region VI-Western Visayas, Schools Division of Bago City. It helps Grade 6 learners studying at home tell apart the five groups of animals with backbones: mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
On this page 7 sections
What learners will learn
The module is about describing the distinguishing characteristics of each group of vertebrates. After going through it, learners are expected to:
- Describe the distinguishing characteristics of each group of vertebrates
- Classify each group of vertebrates
- List examples of each group of vertebrates
Vertebrates and invertebrates
The module first sorts animals into two big groups:
- Vertebrates are animals with a backbone, such as the carabao and the chicken.
- Invertebrates are animals without a backbone, such as the butterfly, snail, and praying mantis.
Vertebrates have body parts for walking, swimming, flying, climbing, and hopping. They eat grass, meat, insects, and seeds.
The module also uses two terms for how animals are born:
- Viviparous animals are born alive. Examples are dogs, carabaos, and cats.
- Oviparous animals hatch from eggs. Examples are chickens, ducks, and snakes.
The five groups of vertebrates
| Group | Warm or cold-blooded | Body covering | Born alive or from eggs | Other features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mammals | Warm-blooded | Hair or fur | Born alive (viviparous) | Mammary glands to feed their young with milk |
| Fish | Cold-blooded | Scales | Hatched from eggs | Tails and fins for swimming; breathe through gills |
| Birds | Warm-blooded | Feathers | Hatched from eggs (oviparous) | A pair of limbs for hopping, a pair of wings for flying, and a beak or bill for getting food and defense |
| Amphibians | Cold-blooded | Moist, scaleless skin | Hatched from eggs | Live partly in water and partly on land |
| Reptiles | Cold-blooded | Dry, scaly skin; some have shells | Hatched from eggs | — |
A few points from the module are worth remembering:
- Some birds have wings but cannot fly. The module asks learners why the ostrich and penguin are flightless.
- Examples of amphibians include the salamander, newt, toad, caecilian, and frog.
- Examples of reptiles include the turtle, chameleon, snake, lizard, gecko, and crocodile.
- Reptiles and amphibians differ mainly in skin. Reptiles have dry, scaly skin, while amphibians have moist skin. Amphibians can also live both on land and in water.
- The one feature all vertebrates share is the backbone.
Activities in the module
- What I Know: a pretest with matching items and pictures to classify (rabbit, bird, crocodile, frog, fish).
- What’s In: a review on local animals and on telling vertebrates from invertebrates.
- What’s New: a guessing game where learners complete the names of the vertebrate groups.
- What’s More: Activity 1.1, a chart of body covering, blood type, organs for movement, and birth for each group, and Activity 1.2, questions comparing the groups.
- What I Have Learned: a fill-in-the-blanks summary.
- What I Can Do: real-life questions about protecting frogs, whose numbers are going down, and removing ticks and fleas from pet dogs and cats.
- Assessment: a 10-item test with pictures to classify, multiple-choice items, and short answers on caring for wildlife and flightless birds.
- Additional Activities: sorting animals such as bangus, maya, bat, stingray, carabao, and tilapia into the five groups.
How to use this module
- Learners: Answer What I Know first. The module says that if you get every answer right, you may skip it. Then work through the parts in order and finish each task before moving on. Write your answers in your Science journal or on a separate sheet, not on the module. Check your work with the answer key at the end honestly, and return the module to your teacher when you are done.
- Parents: Help your child follow the order of the parts. The What I Can Do questions about frogs and pets are good to talk about together at home.
- Teachers and facilitators: The answer key covers every part except the open-ended items, which are marked “answers may vary.” Use the Activity 1.1 chart and the Assessment to check whether learners can classify vertebrates and give examples.
Frequently asked questions
What grade and quarter is this module for?
It is for Grade 6 Science, Quarter 2. It is Module 4, Animals: Characteristics of Vertebrates.
What are the five groups of vertebrates in the module?
Mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Each group is described by its body covering, whether it is warm or cold-blooded, and whether it is born alive or hatched from eggs.
What is the difference between viviparous and oviparous animals?
Viviparous animals are born alive, like dogs, carabaos, and cats. Oviparous animals hatch from eggs, like chickens, ducks, and snakes.
How do amphibians differ from reptiles?
Amphibians have moist, scaleless skin and live partly in water and partly on land. Reptiles have dry, scaly skin, and some have shells.
Does the module have an answer key?
Yes. It has answers for the pretest, the activities, and the assessment. Open-ended questions are marked as answers may vary.
Full text of the module
The text below is a transcription of the PDF above, as printed.
Science Quarter 2 – Module 3: Animals: Characteristics of Vertebrates
CO_Q2_Science6_Module4
Science – Grade 6 Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 2 – Module 4: Animals: Characteristics of Vertebrates First Edition, 2019
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.
Published by the Department of Education Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio
Development Team of the Module
Authors: Nancy N. Torres, Judy C. Villanueva, Jamicah B. Barcenal, Juliemar D. Lestimoso Editor: Ma. Ana C. Ebon Reviewers: Marilou D. Aribas, Ana Maria M. Espende, Eleah Joy T. Poneles Illustrators: Ronald R. Castillo, Kharlo L. Gambale Layout Artist: Roxan E. Del Castillo, Lance Robert V. Legario Graphic Artist: Gilbert Paulo C. Pagapang Management Team: Ramir B. Uytico, Pedro T. Escobarte Allan B. Yap, Ermi V. Miranda Elena P. Gonzaga, Donald T. Genine Rovel R. Salcedo, Ma. Lourdes V. Teodoro Ma. Ana C. Ebon, Raymund L. Santiago
Printed in the Philippines by _____
Department of Education – Region VI-Western Visayas Office Address: Duran Street, Iloilo City, Philippines, 5000 Telefax: (033) 336-2816, (033) 509-7653 E-mail Address: deped6@deped.gov.ph
Science Quarter 2 – Module 4: Animals: Characteristics of Vertebrates
Introductory Message
This Self- Learning Module ( SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises and discussion are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide your step by step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.
Pre- test are are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lesson on each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator on your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self –check your learning. Answer key are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Note to the teacher are also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can best help you on your home- based learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module do not hesitate to consult your facilitator.
Thank you.
The following are the parts of this module that will help you finish your tasks. Read the following descriptions below to better understand each part.
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:
What I Need to Know
This will give you an idea of the skills or competencies you are expected to learn in the module.
What I Know
This part includes an activity that aims to check what you already know about the lesson to take. If you get all the answers correct (100%), you may decide to skip this module.
What’s In
This is a brief drill or review to help you link the current lesson with the previous one.
What’s New
In this portion, the new lesson will be introduced to you in various ways; a story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an activity or a situation.
What is It
This section provides a brief discussion of the lesson. This aims to help you discover and understand new concepts and skills.
What’s More
This comprises activities for independent practice to solidify your understanding and skills of the topic. You may check the answers to the exercises using the Answer Key at the end of the module.
What I Have Learned
This includes questions or blank sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process what you learned from the lesson.
What I Can Do
This section provides an activity which will help you transfer your new
knowledge or skill into real life situations or concerns.
Assessment
This is a task which aims to evaluate your level of mastery in achieving the learning competency.
Additional Activities
In this portion, another activity will be given to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the lesson learned.
Answer Key
This contains answers to all activities in the module.
At the end of this module you will also find:
References
This is a list of all sources used in developing this module.
The following are some reminders in using this module:
- Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
- Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities included in the module.
- Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
- Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
- Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
- Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
What I Need to Know
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master the lesson about animals. The scope of this module permits is used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
This module is about:
- Describing the distinguishing characteristics of each group of vertebrates.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
- Describe the distinguishing characteristics of each group vertebrates.
- Classify each group of vertebrates
- List examples of each group of vertebrates
What I Know
Direction: Match the column A with B. Write the letter of the correct answer. Write in on your Science journal.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| 1. They have mammary gland to feed their young. | A. birds |
| 2. They have moist skin and can live on land and water. | B. amphibians |
| 3. They have dry scaly skin. | C. mammals |
| 4. They have beak and wings used in flying. | D. fish |
| 5. They have gills and fins and they live in water. | E. reptiles |
Identify the classification of animals by writing mammals, amphibians, fish, birds or reptiles on the blanks provided.
[illustration: rabbit]
[illustration: bird perched on a branch]
[illustration: crocodile]
[illustration: frog]
[illustration: fish]
Lesson
Animal: Describe the Distinguishing Characteristic of each group of Vertebrates.
Animals can be found anywhere in our environment; in the sea, grassland, forests, ponds, sanctuary, and even in our homes. These animals in different ecosystem and habitat are classified as vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates are animals with backbones and have varying body parts used in walking, swimming, flying, climbing, and hopping. They eat grass, meat, insects, and seeds as their food.
What’s In
Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer using your Science journal.
- Which of the following animals can be found in the locality?
A. [illustration: bear]
C. [illustration: frog]
B. [illustration: elephant]
D. [illustration: tiger]
- Animals are classified as vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates are those animals with backbones while invertebrates are animals without backbones.
Direction: Identify animals as vertebrates and invertebrates by writing your answers on your journal.
A. butterfly – _____
B. carabao – _____
C. chicken – _____
D. snail – _____
E. praying mantis – _____
- [illustration: jellyfish-like animal with a visible inner structure]
To what group of animals does the illustration belongs?
A. vertebrates
C. invertebrates
B. arthropods
D. insects
- Which is the distinguishing characteristic of invertebrates?
A. They have backbones .
B. They have spinal cord.
C. They have no backbones.
D. They have brain.
What’s New
Guessing Game:
- What animals live in water with gills, fins and scales?
F _ _ _ h
- What animals with backbones called?
_ e r _ _ b _ _ t _ s
- What animals with wings, feathers that love to fly?
B _ _ _s
- What group of vertebrates is a dog?
M _ _ _ a _ s
- What group of vertebrates is a frog?
A _ _ _ i b _ _ n s
- What group of vertebrates is snake?
R _ _ t i _ _ s
What is It
Animals found in the locality are classified into vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates are animals with backbone while invertebrates are animals with no backbone. They can be oviparous and viviparous or they are born alive with their parents such as dogs, carabao, and cats, while oviparous animals are those that are hatched from egg such as chicken, duck, and snake.
Vertebrates are group into the following:
Mammals
[illustration: zebra, horse, goat, giraffe, and monkey]
Mammals are warm blooded animals that are born alive or viviparous. The have hair or fur as their body covering and mammary gland to feed their young with their milk.
Fish
[illustration: two fish]
Fish are cold-blooded animals covered with scales. They have tails and fins that help them to swim. They are animals hatched from egg and breathe through their gills.
Birds
[illustration: parrot perched on a branch]
Birds are warm-blooded animals hatched from egg or oviparous. They have a pairs of limbs for hopping and a pair of wings used in flying. There are birds who have wings but can’t fly. A beak or bill is used in getting food as well as for protecting themselves from their enemies.
Amphibians
[illustration: toad]
Amphibians are cold-blooded animals hatched from egg. They spend part of their lives in water and part on land. They have moist and scaleless skin. Some examples of it are salamander, newt, toad and caecilian.
Reptiles
[illustration: turtle]
[illustration: crocodile]
Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates hatched from egg. They have dry scaly skin and some have shells. Some examples of it are turtles, chameleon, snake, lizard, and gecko.
What’s More
Activity 1.1
Direction: Fill in the table with the distinguishing characteristics of the following group of vertebrates by completing the chart.
| Characteristics | Mammals | Reptiles | Amphibians | Fishes | Birds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Covering | |||||
| Warm or cold blooded | |||||
| Organs for locomotion | |||||
| Viviparous or oviparous | |||||
| 2 examples |
[transcriber’s note: the header cell “Characteristics” is split across two lines in the printed table (“Characteristi” / “cs”)]
Activity 1.2
Direction: Answer the following questions below. Write your answers on your Science journal.
What characteristics are similar to all vertebrates?
In what way is a mammal different from reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish?
How do reptiles and amphibians differ?
[transcriber’s note: the question numbering goes from 2 to 4 as printed; there is no question 3]
What I Have Learned
Direction: Write the answers on your journal.
I learned that…..
Vertebrates are classified as _____, _____, _____, _____, and _____.
The ________________ are animals that are born alive and have hair or fur as their body covering. The ________________ are animals that have scales, fins, and gills and live in water.
While________________ are animals that have dry scaly skin and hatched from egg. The________________ are animals that have moist skin and can live both land and water, and________________ are animals with beak or bills and has wings.
[illustration: wrench and gear icon beside the heading]
What I Can Do
Direction: Answer the questions using your Science journal.
Frogs are useful animals that eat insects that are harmful to human and other animals. People living in a rural area exploit it by consuming them as food. Since frog population is already diminishing in number, in what way you can be of help to remind the people the importance of frogs?
Mammals such as dogs and cats were cared as pet. They were furry animals that usually have ticks and fleas in their bodies that were parasitic. These parasites harmed their host and often cause health problems to animals. How will you get rid of these pests that threatened your pet?
Assessment
[illustration: pencil icon beside the heading]
Direction: Write the correct classification of vertebrates as illustrated. Write the answers on your journal.
[illustration: fish]
[illustration: salamander]
[illustration: two women, one holding a bowl]
[illustration: bird perched on a branch]
[illustration: snake]
Which set of vertebrates does Not belong to the group?
I. gecko, snake, crocodile, iguana
II. dolphin, cat, horse, sheep
III. ostrich, bat, penguin, duck
IV. toad, newt, salamander, frog
A. I B. II C. III D. IVGoats, cats, dogs, and rabbits are mammals that have characteristics that differ from other vertebrates. Which of the following features does not describe a mammal?
A. Mammals have mammary gland.
B. Mammals have scales and feathers.
C. Mammals have fur or hair.
D. Mammals are warm blooded animals.In what way do amphibians differ from reptiles?
A. Amphibians have backbones.
B. Amphibians can live both on land and water.
C. Amphibians can crawl.
D. Amphibians are oviparous.Some animals were taken from their natural habitat by hunters or people and were bring sold in pet shops. List down ways you can do to preserve wildlife that were kept as pets?
Ostrich and penguin are flightless birds. Why?
Additional Activities
[illustration: gears icon beside the heading]
Direction: Classify the following vertebrates in its proper column. Put it on your Science journal.
bangus maya frog lizard cat galonggong snake swamp frog gecko “tuko” bat stingray crocodile
| Mammals | Amphibians | Reptiles | Birds | Fishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
tilapia toad carabao
Answer Key
[illustration: keys icon beside the heading]
[transcriber’s note: this page is printed rotated 180 degrees across three columns. The text below is read in upright order: the right-hand column first, then the middle, then the left. The placement of the lone “C” under What’s In was read from a rotated print and should be checked against the original.]
What I Know
C B E A D mammals birds reptiles amphibians fish
What’s In
C A. invertebrates B. vertebrates C. vertebrates D. invertebrates E. invertebrates C C
What’s New
- Fish
- Vertebrates
- Birds
- Mammals
- Amphibians
- Reptiles
What’s More
Activity 1.2
Characteristic similar to all vertebrates are the presence of backbones.
Mammal differs from amphibians, reptiles, birds, and fish because mammals are born alive, feed their young with their milk, and have skin or fur as their body covering.
Reptiles differ from amphibians in their body covering, reptiles have dry scaly skin while amphibians have moist skin.
What I Have Learned
Mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish (In any order)
- Mammals
- Fishes
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Birds
What I Can Do
Answers vary:
Assessment
- fish
- amphibian
- mammal
- bird
- reptile
- C
- B
- B
- Answers may vary
- Answers may vary
Additional Activities
Mammals: bat, cat, carabao
Amphibians: swamp frog, toad, frog
Reptiles: crocodile, lizard, snake
Birds: maya, white heron, chicken
Fish: bangus, tilapia, stingray
References:
Curriculum Guide in Science 6 MTIIe-f-3
Evelyn Castante-Padpad 2017. The New Science Links Worktext in Science and Technology 6. 856 Nicanor Reyes, Sr. St, Manila Philippines. Rex Book Store, INC.
Conchita Tan, Science for Daily Use Textbook 5. 16 Horizon St., Rim View Park, SSS Village, Marikina City: JICA Enterprises
Lilia G. Vengco Et al 1999. Science for Active Learning Textbook 5, 927 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Lucy Daniel Et al 1994. Merrill Life Science Textbook, Glencoe Division, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, 936 Eastwind Drive, Westerville, OH 43081
Lilia Malabonga-Rabago Et al 1996. Science and Technology 2, Biology. G. Araneta St. Avenue, Cor. Ma. Clara St., Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City
John R. Rafferty. britanica.com. 5 Groups of Vertebrates
ck12.org. Classification of Vertebrates – Advanced
Rhys Baker, Sept. 17, 2012. owlcation.com. What Are The 5 Main Vertebrate Groups?
davidnelson.md, Nov. 20, 2009. The 5 Classes of Vertebrates, PO Box 7908, Berkeley, CA 94707
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Schools Division of Bago City
Araneta Streets, Bago City Negros Occidental, 6101
Tel Nos.: +63 [034] 454-0388, +63 [034] 454-2012, +63 [034] 454-2013, Fax: +63 [034] 4610-568
Email Address: deped.bagocity@deped.gov.ph
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