Vocabulary
Define "burrow"
A burrow is a home or hiding place an animal digs in the ground.
Name two animals that use movement as a defense mechanism.
Rabbit – runs quickly in zig-zag patterns to escape predators
Springbok – does stotting (high jumps) to show strength and warn predators
Fish – swim in schools to confuse predators
Octopus / Squid – jet away quickly and release ink to escape
Gazelle – leaps and runs fast to avoid predators
Cheetah prey (like impalas) – sudden changes in direction to escape
Birds – fly in flocks to confuse predators
Quills
What animal sprays a bad smell to scare its predators?
Skunk
Define venom.
venom – a poison that an animal injects into another animal using a bite, sting, or spine to defend itself or catch prey.
What is it called when a snake wraps around its victim to suffocate it?
Constriction
What is it called when a springbok jumps high into the air to escape from predators?
Stotting or pronking
Name at least four animals that use armor as a defense mechanism.
Box turtle – can close its shell completely to stay safe
Armadillo – has bony plates covering its body
Crabs / Lobsters – have a hard exoskeleton
Horseshoe crab – hard shell protects from predators
Porcupine / Hedgehog – spines or quills act like armor
Why do some animals have bright colors?
To show that they are poisonous (or trick predators into thinking they are poisonous)
Name at least two reasons animals live in groups.
Protection from predators, taking care or young, help finding food, etc.
What are primary and secondary defense mechanisms?
Primary defense mechanisms – the first line of defense an animal uses to avoid danger. Examples: camouflage, hiding, running away.
Secondary defense mechanisms – used if the first defense doesn’t work. Examples: spines, shells, biting, stinging, spraying poison.
What part of its body does the geoduck clam use to dig itself underground?
Siphon
What animal has bony plates all over its body for protection?
Armadillo
Name three animals we read about that use stingers to inject venom.
Bees, wasps, scorpions
Describe the different between a physical and behavioral defense mechanism.
A behavioral defense mechanism is something an animal does to stay safe, like running away, playing dead, or moving in groups.
A physical defense mechanism is something an animal has, like shells, spikes, thick fur, or hard skin that protects its body.
What is the name of the hard outer covering that protects crabs and insects?
exoskeleton
What is the nickname for the basilisk lizard?
Jesus Christ lizard
Describe the difference between camouflage and mimicry.
How does octopi escape for predators?
jet propulsion
Geoducks, moles, earthworms