Exploring the ways animals adapt

In this virtual session, students will discover how adaptations enable animals to survive and thrive in their habitat, through observation and discussion. We will look at exploring questions around how animals find or catch food, attract mates, look after young and protect themselves from both predators and the elements.

In this virtual session we will learn about some feathered friends we find at the Zoo, exploring the ways in which parts of their bodies help them move, find food, and stay safe in their habitats.

Younger students will be encouraged to observe and discuss how animals’ bodies are different and suited to the place where they live.

Older students will investigate the ways in which animals protect themselves from the weather and from predators, find or catch their food and attract a mate.

We will also discuss how changes in habitats due to human activities may drastically affect the survival of wildlife. Examples of conservation projects may be used to illustrate how the Zoo is helping to protect animals in their wild habitats.

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Learning outcomes:

Understand that animals have different physical and behavioural adaptations, and how these enable them to thrive in a particular habitat.


Success Criteria: 

Students will:

  1. Be able to give examples of physical and behavioural adaptations
  2. Make links between an animal’s adaptation and its ability to thrive in a particular habitat.
  3. Recognise how changes in a habitat can affect the animal’s ability to thrive
  4. Give an example of a conservation action or sustainable behaviour

Key Competencies

  1. Thinking
  2. Relating to Others
  3. Participating & Contributing

Science – Living World:

  1. Evolution L1-2: Recognise that there are lots of different living things in the world and that they can be grouped in different ways.​
  2. Evolution L3: Begin to group plants, animals and other living things into science-based classifications.
  3. Life Processes L1-2: Recognise that all living things have certain requirements so they can stay alive.
  4. Life Processes L3: Recognise that there are life processes common to all living things and that these occur in different ways

Science - Nature of Science:

  1. Understanding about Science, Investigating in Science, Communicating in Science.

Email: discoveryandlearning@aucklandzoo.co.nz
(09) 360 3817
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