Animal Characteristics
Do all animals share the same characteristics?
No! Many animals are similar, but have special traits that make them unique. Remember, some animals do not have backbones!
What is the first stage of life for all animals
Do all animals need food and water to survive?
Yes! Some animals can go longer amounts of time without food or water, but we all need it eventually.
True or false: Humans take care of our babies for a very long time compared to other animals.
True! Since humans have a long lifespan, we are not able to be independent for a longer amount of time. And so, human parents look after their kids until they are adults!
What is the definition of a habitat?
Somewhere that an animal lives. This can be a big or small amount of space. One single tree and the entire ocean are both habitats for different creatures!
Do all animals look the same as adults when they are born?
No! Lots of animals don't look anything like their parents when they are born. Some animals look just like their parents but have LOTS of growing to do to be the same size.
Fill in the next growth stage:
Egg -> Caterpillar -> _______ -> Butterfly
Pupae! Remember, this stage occurs within the chrysalis so we don't get to see it up close.
True or false: All mammals drink milk when they are babies.
True! This is one of the characteristics that defines mammals from other types of animals. After a certain age, baby mammals will grow out of drinking their mothers milk and eat solid foods.
Moms are the only parent that take care of babies
False! Many animals (not just humans) use both parents to take care of the young. Some animals only the dad will take care of the eggs.
What can people do to help animal habitats?
Respect nature! Make sure you clean up garbage and give animals space! You wouldn't want a stranger walking through your home so make sure you don't trample someone else's.
True or false: A platypus is a mammal that lays eggs!
True! This mammal lays eggs, swims in water, has fur, a duck bill mouth, a beaver-like tail, and a poisonous claw. Weird!
Fill in the next growth stage:
Egg -> ________ -> Chick -> Chicken
Hatchling! When chickens are first born they are wet, and absorb nutrients from the egg for their first meal. After that they dry off and start eating regular food, about 2-3 days later.
True or false: Most snakes can live without food for about 2 months.
True! But, this doesn't mean you should try to starve your pet if you have a snake. Snakes have a slow digestive system so they don't need to eat as often as us.
True or false: Snakes, fish, and butterflies provide the most parental care?
False! Birds, amphibians, and mammals are most likely to take care of their babies. Remember! Humans are mammals and we spend A LOT of time with our babies because they cannot live on their own.
What is the difference between where tadpoles live and where adult frogs live?
Tadpoles can only live in water! Adult frogs like water but they like to live on the land most of the time.
What special word do we use for animals with backbones?
Vertebrates! Remember, the parts of our spine are called vertebrae so remember that humans are vertebrates because of our backbone.
How many life stages do salmon have?
Seven! Eggs, alevin, fry, parr, smolt, adult, and spawning adult. The difference between adult and spawning adult is that one can have babies.
What are the three special names for the types of diet animals have?
Herbivore: the plant eaters
Omnivore: the everything consumers (plants & meat)
Carnivore: the meat eaters
What are two special words scientists use for moms taking care of babies and dads taking care of babies?
Maternal - "m" for mom
Paternal - "p" for papa (dad)
What are 3 extinct animals?
Wooly mammoth, dodo bird, dinosaurs, sabre tooth tiger, West African black rhinos (any 3 accepted). Scientists have tried to bring back some extinct species, but we should protect them while they are still on the planet.
What is a special skin covering that all mammals start out with?
Hair! Even mammals like whales are born with small hairs before they become sleek and smooth for swimming better.
Do all sharks lay eggs?
*Hint: remember sharks are fish
No! Some sharks lay eggs, and some sharks hatch the eggs inside of them, and give birth to live babies. Isn't that weird!?
True or false: Some animals get nutrients from a yolk sac before and after they are born
True! Some animals use up all their nutrients before they are born and are ready to eat when they come out. Other animals still have a bit of the yolk attached to them to help feed them until they grow stronger.
True or false: Some birds lay their eggs in other bird's nests so they don't have to take care of their babies!
True! One example are called Cowbirds. They lay their eggs in another nest and will smash all the other eggs if a bird doesn't take care of their baby for them!
What is the special word we use for the traits animals develop to help them live in their homes?
Adaptations! These characteristics develop to help animals do their best in their environment. Like how tadpoles have strong tails for swimming, but adult frogs have strong legs for jumping!