External Animal Parts

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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