What kinds of animals have tails?

Monkeys, dogs, cats and lions all have tails. Even a turtle and a whale have tails!

What are some things animals use tails for?

Animals use their tails to hang from trees. They also use them to swim or balance.

What kinds of animals have claws?

Birds, bears, lions and cats all have claws. Many animals have claws.

What are some different animals that have 2 legs? 4 legs?

Monkeys, humans and birds all have 2 legs. Dogs, lions, elephants and giraffes all have 4 legs.

What is one animal part that your wish you had? Why?

It might be fun to have a tail so that you could hang from a tree. Wings are an external part that can help you fly.

What are some animal parts that you have noticed on an insect?

Insects have 6 legs. They also have wings, eyes and a mouth we can see.

How does an animal use its tail to help it survive?

Tails help animals swim, balance and can even protect them from predators, like the lizard, who can make its tail fall off while it runs away.

What are some things that claws are used for?

Claws can be used for digging to get food or to build a home. Animals can also use them for self-defense.

What do animals use their legs for?

Animals use their legs to move, climb, dig, run and even jump like a frog.

What are some different coverings of animals?

Some animals have skin, others have feathers, fur, scales or hard shells.

What are some useful functions of an animal’s covering?

Patterns on an animal’s skin can help it camouflage and hide. Crabs have a hard shell that protects them from predators. Fur can keep animals warm.

Why are opposable thumbs useful?

Opposable thumbs help humans and primates grab things. They also help open bottles and allow people to easily use scissors.

External Animal Parts

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EXTERNAL ANIMAL PARTS DEFINITION

External parts of an animal are any part on the outside of it. Some examples include tails, legs, claws, skin and beaks. Animals use these parts to help them survive.

To better understand how external animal parts work…

EXTERNAL ANIMAL PARTS DEFINITION. External parts of an animal are any part on the outside of it. Some examples include tails, legs, claws, skin and beaks. Animals use these parts to help them survive. To better understand how external animal parts work…

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN!

Animals can have different numbers of legs.

dark tarantula walking on hand with its legs

Spiders have 8 legs, while insects have 6. Many animals have 4 legs such as dogs, cows, lions and bears. Animals use their legs to move, climb and jump.

Animals can have different numbers of legs. Spiders have 8 legs, while insects have 6. Many animals have 4 legs such as dogs, cows, lions and bears. Animals use their legs to move, climb and jump.

Animals can have claws that help them to survive.

armadillo digging in the ground with claws

Animal claws can be used for a variety of things. Some animals use claws to dig for food, like the armadillo. Others use claws to dig homes or even to defend themselves.

Animals can have claws that help them to survive. Animal claws can be used for a variety of things. Some animals use claws to dig for food, like the armadillo. Others use claws to dig homes or even to defend themselves.

Animals use their tails for specific purposes.

monkey hanging from a tree with its tail

Monkeys use their tails to hang from trees. The tail keeps their hands free so they can get food or swing from branch to branch. Many different kinds of animals have tails.

Animals use their tails for specific purposes. Monkeys use their tails to hang from trees. The tail keeps their hands free so they can get food or swing from branch to branch. Many different kinds of animals have tails.

Animal coverings are also external parts.

Some animals have feathers, like birds, to help them fly. Other animals have fur, like a polar bear. The fur keeps them warm. Some animals, like humans, have skin that is soft.

Animal coverings are also external parts. Some animals have feathers, like birds, to help them fly. Other animals have fur, like a polar bear. The fur keeps them warm. Some animals, like humans, have skin that is soft.

Animal coverings serve a specific purpose.

A crab has a hard shell to protect its body. Zebras have patterns on their fur to blend in with other zebras and avoid predators. Frogs use their skin to help them breathe.

Animal coverings serve a specific purpose. A crab has a hard shell to protect its body. Zebras have patterns on their fur to blend in with other zebras and avoid predators. Frogs use their skin to help them breathe.

External Animal Parts

Discussion Questions

Vocabulary

Reading Material

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN!

Animals can have different numbers of legs.

Animals can have claws that help them to survive.

Animals use their tails for specific purposes.

Animal coverings are also external parts.

Animal coverings serve a specific purpose.

DIY Activity Guide

Teacher Resources

Teacher Resources

Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan

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