Group Behavior Basics
What is a group of animals that live, hunt, or travel together called?
A group or herd (e.g., herd of elephants, flock of birds).
What do we call a group of bees?
A swarm or colony.
What survival advantage do animals in a group often have over those that live alone?
Protection from predators, as there is strength in numbers.
How do bees communicate with each other about where to find food?
Bees use a special dance called the "waggle dance" to tell other bees where food is located.
How does living in a group help animals like zebras survive?
Being in a group helps zebras confuse predators and escape danger together.
Why do some animals prefer to live in groups?
To increase survival chances, protect against predators, and find food more easily.
A pack of wolves works together to hunt. Why is this beneficial?
It helps them catch larger prey that would be difficult to hunt alone.
How do herds of elephants help each other in dangerous situations?
Older elephants protect the young, and the herd works together to warn each other of danger.
Why do animals like penguins huddle together in cold climates?
To stay warm and protect each other from freezing temperatures.
What is one argument for why wolves form packs?
Wolves hunt larger prey more successfully when working together in packs.
True or False: All animals need to live in groups to survive.
False – Some animals, like tigers and most fish species, live alone.
What is the term for a group of dolphins?
A pod.
What advantage does a flock of birds gain by flying together?
Energy savings – flying in formation reduces wind resistance.
What feature do herding animals like antelope often have to help them stay safe?
They have strong senses (like keen eyesight) to detect predators early.
How do meerkats show that being in a group helps with survival?
Meerkats take turns standing guard while others search for food, improving their chances of survival.
What is one example of an animal that forms a group for safety?
Zebras form herds to protect against predators like lions by confusing them with their stripes.
What do ants do together to survive?
Ants work together to gather food, protect the queen, and build nests.
Why do schooling fish swim in tight groups?
To confuse predators and make it harder for them to catch one fish.
How do dolphins cooperate during hunting?
They work together to herd fish into tight groups, making them easier to catch.
What would happen to ants if they didn’t work together in a colony?
They would not be able to gather food, build nests, or protect the queen, and the colony would collapse.
What is a mating group?
A group of animals that come together to breed, often seasonally, like seals or frogs.
How does living in a group help meerkats survive in the wild?
They take turns keeping watch for predators, so the others can forage for food.
How do wolves use teamwork to hunt large prey?
They surround and tire out their prey, making it easier for them to bring it down together.
How do monkeys in troops protect each other from predators?
They have vigilant lookout monkeys who alert the group of approaching dangers.
Make an argument for why dolphins live in pods.
Dolphins form pods for protection from predators, cooperative hunting, and social bonding, ensuring survival in the wild.