Animals as Loggers

Shown are three images of several trees that have been cut down or stripped of their bark due to animal activity. One tree has a section of its bark stripped away, revealing the smooth, light-colored wood beneath. Two other trees are partially gnawed by a beaver, displaying characteristic funnel-shaped cuts on the trunk. Each tree's trunk are light, with raw wood exposed at the base where it has been chewed and wood chips are scattered around the base.

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.