Transcript Leaf Classification

Leaf Classification
5th Grade
Living Systems
Investigation 2 “Vascular Plants”
Classification

Classify: scientists organize, or classify,
things by putting them in groups based on
similar properties or behaviors.
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Classification helps scientists think about
concepts or efficiently.
How Leaves Are Classified
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Classified by the basic pattern on veins
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There are 3 patterns to help classify leaves:
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Palmate
Pinnate
Parallel
Palmate Leaf
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Several veins extending from the place where
the leaf stem attaches to the leaf.
QuickTi me™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see thi s pi ctur e.
Pinnate Leaf
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Pinnate Leaf: One large vein extending the
length of the leaf with smaller veins branching
off.
Pinna means feather, so pinnate leaf resembles
a feather.
QuickTi me™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see thi s pi ctur e.
Parallel Leaf
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Parallel: Many small veins running the length
of the leaf.
Long, narrow leaves, like blades of grass, tend
to have parallel veins.
Qu i ck Ti me ™a nd a
de co mp re ss or
ae
r ne ed ed to s ee th i s pi c tu re.
Other Ways to Classify Leaves
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Leaf shape (blade)
Kind of edge (margin) on the leaf
Kind of attachment to the stem (petiole)
Venation: Palmate, pinnate, and parallel