Find out how our classification system helps us make sense of the natural world. This book explains how our animal classification system works and how scientists use it to identify and group animal species. It explores evolution, mutation and the variation between and within animal species and discusses how and why such variations have occurred.

Includes fieldwork investigations that show how to classify animals using various keys and fascinating fact boxes that offer in-depth information on topics such as breeding. An activity project shows students at Key Stage 3 how to classify the birds in their area.

The six books in the Living Processes series look at the processes all living organisms must carry out in order to stay alive. From feeding and drinking through to breathing and reproducing, it explores the differing ways in which organisms carry them out.

• 1: Introducing classification
• 2: Variation and evolution
• 3: How to classify
• 4: Invertebrates
• 5: Vertebrates
• 6: Your project: Classifying common birds
• 7: Glossary and Further information
• 8: Index