Animals as Loggers

These images show several trees that have been cut down or stripped of their bark due to animal activity.

Image

Monroe County

Iowa Core Standard

4-LS1-1

Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction

Driving Question

Do animals gnaw/chop down trees for food, shelter or both?

Probing Questions

What type of animal is chopping down these trees?
What type of internal/external organs does the animal use to gnaw/chop the trees?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Complete a notice and wonder chart and discuss the results.
Brainstorm the internal/external structures the animal might need to chop these trees.
Write claim/evidence statements pertaining to which internal/external structures the animal used for survival, growth, and behavior.
Research different organisms that are affected by the loss of these trees.

Resources

PBS LearningMedia | Animals: Beavers: This video provides information on how the beaver changes its environment to suit its needs.
PBS LearningMedia | Nature: Hardworking Builders: These resources from Nature: Leave it to Beavers explore beavers' physical characteristics and how they fell trees and build dams.

Contributors

Submitted by Angie Goemaat.