Name
DATE
Ecosystems
Adaptations: Birds
A Change for the Better
Study each set of illustrations. Then answer the questions.
pelican
1.
hawk
robin
woodpecker
parrot
spoonbill
How are the birds’ bills the same? ________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2.
How are the birds’ bills different? _________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3.
Which of the birds has a bill that will help it...
a. tear flesh?_________________________
d. catch fish? __________________________
b. poke into soil and grab worms?
e. crack open seeds? ___________________
_________________________________
f. sweep through water to find prey?
c. bore holes in trees to find insects?
___________________________________
_________________________________
I
4.
II
III
IV
V
VI
How are the birds’ feet the same? ________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5.
How are the birds’ feet different? _________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
6.
Which of the feet would be best suited for...
a. climbing up or down a tree? _____________
d. scratching in the dirt for food?
b. running quickly? ______________________ ________________________________
e. holding onto its perch?______________
c. snatching a fish from the water?
____________________________________
f. swimming? _______________________
Bonus: Which of the birds shown are primary consumers? Which are secondary consumers? Explain.
©The Mailbox® • Teacher’s Helper ® • TEC48056 • Aug./Sept. 2011
39
Ecosystems
Answer Key
“A Change for the Better”
1–2. Answers will vary.
3. a. hawk
b. robin
c. woodpecker
d. pelican
e. parrot
f. spoonbill
4–5. Answers will vary.
6. a. VI
b. V
c. I
d. II
e. IV
f. III
Bonus: Parrots are primary consumers. Pelicans,
hawks, robins, woodpeckers, and spoonbills are
secondary consumers. Explanations will vary.
40
©The Mailbox® • Teacher’s Helper ® • TEC48056 • Aug./Sept. 2011