What Characteristics Cannot Be Determined Form An Animal Trackway

Background:
There are many unlike ways to identify an organism. Their characteristics are non just dependant on the animals� physical brand-upwards. The tracks and trails an animal leaves tin tell you the type of creature it is and whether it was walking or running. You can tell if the organism was by itself or with a grouping of other animals.

The mode organisms alive can besides give you a clue. A mud consume volition leave a very characteristic nest, as most birds practice. Burrows, for example from ants or gophers, can besides help identify the animal. Even fecal matter gives y'all a inkling. The "scat" of a coyote is very diagnostic! You lot know an owl is around if you notice owl pellets (remains of last meals, usually bones and fur of rodents).

The footprints of animals are very diagnostic. A human footprint is unmistakable! At that place are grouping of animals that are helpful. For case, hoofed animals versus animals with paws or toes. Learning the footprints of animals requires observing for unique characteristics.

PROCEDURE:

Many times animals exit before nosotros can find them in nature. In this practise the students volition learn nigh the different tracks that animals leave.

Tracks can exist used to identify unlike animals. Ask the students what they tin can learn from tracks. List the answers on the lath:

LEARNING ABOUT ANIMALS FROM THEIR TRACKS

if the animal walked on 2 or 4 anxiety

if the animal was large or modest

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 merely a full general await at bigger groups of animals. Draw the figure on the lath and have the students judge. There are many books bachelor on animal tracks. Y'all may want to consult your library or the recommended book for more information.

	iv toes front five toes rear claws raccoon, bear, skunk		4 toes front 5 toes rear claws center shaped deer family
	v toes front 5 toes rear claws weasels, minks, otters		4 toes forepart 5 toes rear claws rodents
	4 toes front 5 toes rear egg shaped dog, fox, wolf, coyote		four toes front 5 toes rear claws rabbit
	iv toes front five toes rear claws round cut, panthera leo, bobcat

Accept students try to match the brute tracks around the border of the Wild Animate being Placemats with the animals listed in the placemat.

Use the worksheet to encounter if students can place the tracks. Racoon (vii), Owl (5), Fox (3), Deer (4), True cat (1), Deer mouse (6), Squirrel (2).

Source: https://www.msnucleus.org/membership/html/k-6/lc/organ/2/lco2_3a.html

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