Name
Class
Date
Adaptations of Birds
How are the feet of different birds adapted to different environments?
Background
Suppose you were able to travel as part of an expedition to study birds in a remote sanctuary.
You would observe different body structures that enable each type of bird to survive and grow in
its environment. In this activity, you will investigate the relationship between birds' feet and how
each type of bird survives in its environment.
Materials
• Illustrations of birds, provided by your teacher
Procedure
 Examine the feet of the birds in the illustrations. Use the following list to determine the
number and position (front or back of the foot) of the toes and to infer the function of the feet
for each bird. Record this information in the data table below.
• Climbing foot: four toes—two toes in front and two toes in back for support when climbing
upward to prevent falling backward
• Grasping foot: four toes—two in front and two in back; large, sharp, curved claws
• Perching foot: four toe—three front toes and one back toe that can hold on tightly to a
perch
• Running foot: two to three toes rather than four
• Swimming foot: four toes—three in front and one in back; webbed foot that acts as a
paddle
Bird
Number of
Toes/Webbed?
Toe Positions
1. House finch
2. Hummingbird
3. Mallard duck
4. Osprey
5. Rhea
6. Woodpecker
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Function
Name
Class
Date
Analyze and Interpret Data
1. Use Patterns A certain bird lives in a South American tropical forest. The bird makes nests
in holes in trees and has been seen gathering in flocks on a cliff of salty clay to lick minerals.
Draw or describe the feet of this bird. Explain your description.
2. Structure and Function A certain bird has been seen sitting in the trees of India and
Malaysia. Sometimes this bird hovers in front of tube-shaped flowers and reaches into them
with its long tongue. Draw or describe the feet of this bird. Explain your description.
3. Apply Scientific Reasoning Are the feet of a woodpecker adapted for capturing prey?
Explain your answer.
4. Construct an Explanation Select two birds that you investigated in this activity. Explain
how the birds’ feet are similar and different and how the feet of each bird are adapted for
survival in its environment.
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Copyright © by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved.