Are you studying animal adaptations with your class? If so, there is nothing quite like a camouflage lab to learn first-hand how concealing coloration can help animals avoid being eaten by predators! This lab activity is very simple and effective for showing students how natural selection favors animals that can hide from predators. This lab […]
Tag: ecology for kids
A keystone species is an organism that plays an exceptionally large role in its ecosystem. It provides materials or services that enrich the lives of other organisms in the ecosystem. Without the keystone species, the ecosystem would look very different and other organisms that rely on the keystone species would suffer. Now, let’s look at […]
Some saguaro cacti live for 200 years or longer! Saguaros grow very slowly. The speed of growth depends on many factors such as precipitation, temperature, and soil quality. Let’s explore the saguaro cactus life cycle in five steps! Notice that desert animals play a key role in two of these steps. 1. Germination A seed […]
There are many types of cacti, which are found in dry places and deserts. Cacti are succulent plants. Succulent plants are thick and fleshy for storing water. While all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. Cacti are unique because they have areoles – cushion-like bumps that cover the outside of a cactus. One […]
This is a hilarious and hands-on way to experience competition between species and learn about natural selection and animal adaptations. In this post, you will learn how to set up your own bird beaks lab to try out in your classroom!
The change from daytime to nighttime creates a world of difference for animals. Wildlife biologists sort animals into three categories based on the time of day when they are most active: nocturnal, diurnal, and crepuscular.
These tiny critters may seem unremarkable, or even “icky”. However, aquatic macroinvertebrates play important roles in aquatic ecosystems.
Ponds are an amazing place to teach children about ecology, biodiversity, and wildlife. Here are 10 fun pond activity ideas to try out with your students! I hope these lesson ideas help you have a great pond field trip or pond unit study with your class.
You might already know that pollination is the transfer of pollen from the stamen to the carpel of a flowering plant. In this post, we will take a closer look at the steps of animal pollination and the plant life cycle. The relationship between a pollinator and a plant is key to the survival of both species.
Pollinators are animals that transfer pollen between flowers. Many pollinators are insects, such as bees. However, birds, mammals, and a variety of other animals can also be pollinators! Pollinators are key members of most terrestrial (on-land) ecosystems. Pollinated plants produce food that feeds other members of the ecosystem. Pollinators also help humans because they pollinate […]