How can structures help animals and plants survive?

Animals and plants have structures that serve different functions and help them live, grow and reproduce. For example, claws are an external structure that can help an animal climb trees and defend itself.

Do structures have to be made by humans? Explain.

No. A structure is anything made up of parts held together in a particular way. While this could be something made by humans, like a building or a bridge, it could also be something natural, such as a skeleton, eyes or leaves.

What are internal structures?

Internal structures are structures found on the inside of living things, such as the heart, lungs or brain of an animal.

What are external structures?

External structures are structures found on the outside of living things, such as skin, eyes and claws of an animal. Examples of plant external structures include the leaves and petals of a flower.

What are some of the functions of Bob the Monitor Lizard’s claws?

Bob’s claws are used for digging, climbing and catching prey.

What structure gives the Monitor Lizard an enhanced sense of smell?

Bob the Monitor Lizard has a forked tongue, which enhances his sense of smell and helps him find prey. This is the same type of tongue a snake has. It is very sensitive to particles of matter in the air.

What are some of the structures and functions of the whip spider?

The whip spider has big arm-like jaws at the front of its body to help it catch prey. It also has a pair of very long thin legs covered in hairs that it uses to sense things in its environment.

What is an exoskeleton?

Exoskeletons are hard structures found on the outside of the body of some animals. Common examples include ants, beetles and crabs.

What is the function of the coloring on a butterfly wing?

Some butterfly wings are colored to look exactly like a leaf, which camouflages it and protects it from predators.

What are some functions of different plant seed structures?

Some seeds are large to provide lots of nutrients to the new plant that grows from it. Some seeds are tiny and light enough to be moved long distances by the wind. Some plants have seeds that float and can be carried long distances on ocean currents.

What is the function of the tiny pine needle leaves?

Tiny pine needle leaves stop water from escaping, allowing the pine tree to live in a dry place.

What structure does a cactus have that protects it from being eaten?

Cactus leaves have a spine structure which protects them from being eaten. The spines are actually modified leaves which have become very thin and hard. Ouch!

Structure of Living Things

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What you will learn from this videoWhat you will learn

All plants & animals have structures that help them survive.
Each structure has a specific function.
Animal structures may appear similar or different depending on where they live.

Discussion Questions
- Before Video
  How can structures help animals and plants survive?ANSWER
  - Animals and plants have structures that serve different functions and help them live, grow and reproduce. For example, claws are an external structure that can help an animal climb trees and defend itself.
  Do structures have to be made by humans? Explain.ANSWER
  - No. A structure is anything made up of parts held together in a particular way. While this could be something made by humans, like a building or a bridge, it could also be something natural, such as a skeleton, eyes or leaves.
  What are internal structures?ANSWER
  - Internal structures are structures found on the inside of living things, such as the heart, lungs or brain of an animal.
  What are external structures?ANSWER
  - External structures are structures found on the outside of living things, such as skin, eyes and claws of an animal. Examples of plant external structures include the leaves and petals of a flower.
- After Video
  What are some of the functions of Bob the Monitor Lizard’s claws?ANSWER
  - Bob’s claws are used for digging, climbing and catching prey.
  What structure gives the Monitor Lizard an enhanced sense of smell?ANSWER
  - Bob the Monitor Lizard has a forked tongue, which enhances his sense of smell and helps him find prey. This is the same type of tongue a snake has. It is very sensitive to particles of matter in the air.
  What are some of the structures and functions of the whip spider?ANSWER
  - The whip spider has big arm-like jaws at the front of its body to help it catch prey. It also has a pair of very long thin legs covered in hairs that it uses to sense things in its environment.
  What is an exoskeleton?ANSWER
  - Exoskeletons are hard structures found on the outside of the body of some animals. Common examples include ants, beetles and crabs.
  What is the function of the coloring on a butterfly wing?ANSWER
  - Some butterfly wings are colored to look exactly like a leaf, which camouflages it and protects it from predators.
  What are some functions of different plant seed structures?ANSWER
  - Some seeds are large to provide lots of nutrients to the new plant that grows from it. Some seeds are tiny and light enough to be moved long distances by the wind. Some plants have seeds that float and can be carried long distances on ocean currents.
  What is the function of the tiny pine needle leaves?ANSWER
  - Tiny pine needle leaves stop water from escaping, allowing the pine tree to live in a dry place.
  What structure does a cactus have that protects it from being eaten?ANSWER
  - Cactus leaves have a spine structure which protects them from being eaten. The spines are actually modified leaves which have become very thin and hard. Ouch!
Vocabulary
- Structure DEFINE
- Internal Structures DEFINE
- External Structures DEFINE
- Whip Spider DEFINE
- Exoskeleton DEFINE
- Endoskeleton DEFINE
- Botanist DEFINE
- Biomimicry DEFINE
Reading Material
DIY Activity Guide
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Lesson Plan
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Assessment
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