Minerals
Explanation:
Minerals can be found in the cactus and ground and are very resourceful
Answer:
The first thing to look at would be type of symmetry the organism exhibits. If it is asymmetrical then it would be a sponge and the discovery could stop right there. If not, other characteristics need to be investigated.
Knowing the type of body cavity this organism has would be helpful.
It would also be beneficial to know what type of skeleton (endo or exo) this organism has and what its appendages look like.
Finally, the type of digestive tract and the presence or absence of a head would help to determine what this creature is.
The final phase the 5th phase I think