BACKGROUND:
There are many different ways to identify
an organism. Their characteristics are not just dependant on the animals’
physical make-up. The tracks and trails an animal leaves can tell you the type
of animal it is and whether it was walking or running. You can tell if the
organism was by itself or with a group of other animals.
The way organisms live can also give you a
clue. A mud swallow will leave a very characteristic nest, as most birds do.
Burrows, for example from ants or gophers, can also help identify the animal.
Even fecal matter gives you a clue. The "scat" of a coyote is very
diagnostic! You know an owl is around if you find owl pellets (remains of last
meals, usually bones and fur of rodents).
The footprints of animals are very
diagnostic. A human footprint is unmistakable! There are grouping of animals
that are helpful. For instance, hoofed animals versus animals with paws or
toes. Learning the footprints of animals requires observing for unique
characteristics.
PROCEDURE:
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Many times animals
leave before we can observe them in nature. In this exercise the students will
learn about the different tracks that animals leave.
-
Tracks can be used to
identify different animals. Ask the students what they can learn from tracks.
List the answers on the board:
|
LEARNING ABOUT ANIMALS FROM THEIR
TRACKS |
|
if the animal walked on 2 or 4
feet |
|
if the animal was large or small |
|
type of animal |
|
if the animal was walking or
running |
|
if one animal was following
another |
-
Go over the following
tracks with the students to see if they can predict what types of animals they
came from. Notice that these are just a general look at bigger groups of
animals. Draw the figure on the board and have the students guess. There are
many books available on animal tracks. You may want to consult your library or
the recommended book for more information.
|
|
4 toes front
5 toes rear
claws
raccoon, bear, skunk |
|
4 toes front
5 toes rear
claws
heart shaped
deer family |
|
|
5 toes front
5 toes rear
claws
weasels, minks, otters |
|
4 toes front
5 toes rear
claws
rodents |
|
|
4 toes front
5 toes rear
egg shaped
dog, fox, wolf, coyote |
|
4 toes front
5 toes rear
claws
rabbit |
|
|
4 toes front
5 toes rear
claws
round
cut, lion, bobcat |
|
|
-
Have students try to
match the animal tracks around the border of the Wild Animal Placemats with
the animals listed in the placemat.
-
Use the worksheet to see if students can
identify the tracks. Racoon (7), Owl (5), Fox (3), Deer (4), Cat (1), Deer
mouse (6), Squirrel (2).
|
