TEKS & Objectives
7.1. Organisms and environments. The student knows that there is a relationship between organisms and the environment. The student is expected to:
7.12.C recognize levels of organization in plants and animals, including cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms
7.11 Organisms and environments. The student knows that populations and species demonstrate variation and inherit many of their unique traits through gradual processes over many generations.
We will explore how animals adapt to their habitat.
I will simulate a series of bird beak adaptations.
1. Watch video and complete assignment.
Use what you’ve learned about adaptations to match birds to their feet. We can also look up birds online and find pictures of their feet if we need help.
2. Check out some unusual beaks.
3. View slides.
Click the picture below to open a PowerPoint.
4. Review vocabulary.
Pelican These are large water birds that have a long bill (beak) and a large throat pouch used for catching prey and draining water from the scooped-up contents before swallowing.
Avocet These are long-legged water birds that sweep their long, thin, upcurved beaks from side to side when feeding in the water.
Finch There are many types of finches. They have stout cone-shaped beaks adapted for eating seeds and often have colorful feathers.
Spoonbill They feed by wading through shallow water, sweeping their partly opened bill from side to side. The moment any prey touches the inside of the bill, it snaps shut.
5. Test different shapes of bird beaks.
- You will test the beaks of each bird from your vocabulary, using tools that are shaped like their beaks.
- Time each trial at one minute.
- Repeat and gather data for several trials.
- Click the picture below to download it as a PowerPoint slide.
6. If time permits, match adaptations to the animal.
Speaking of bird beaks (bills)…
A duck goes to a makeup store and sees a lipstick she likes. She says…
“Put it on my bill.”
7. “Animal Adaptations”
Classroom Resources:
- Bird feet matching
- Simplified bird beak lab report
- Bird feet matching + simplified lab report (2 pages)
- Supplemental camel, polar bear, cactus