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Fall 2000
This issue of Puddler focuses on how animals respond to danger.
Readers learn about ways animals use physical features and/or special
behaviors to survive, especially when threatened by predators. The issue
also continues a series that encourages children to look more closely
at nature's "small spaces" (such as the red pine tree top featured
this time around); these "mini habitats" often harbor surprising
amounts of life.
Special Feature:
"Animal Survivors"
Summary:
For wild animals, the key to survival is often to avoid becoming another
animal's meal. Each species has evolved ways of responding to danger from
predators. These defenses take many forms, but they generally fall into
three main categories: taking flight, fooling or fighting. Animals that
take flight rely on sharp senses and the ability to escape to where predators
cannot follow. Animals that fool use tricks such as appearing dangerous,
hiding and playing "dead." Animals that choose to fight off
danger use defensive weapons such as stingers, spines and tough shells.
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full text of this story.
More About...:
Camouflage Q & A
Summary:
Animals use different kinds of camouflage
for protection. Some camouflaged animals may have colors or patterns that
allow them to blend in with their surroundings. These animals' colors
match their environment. In other cases, patterns such as stripes spots,
or areas of dark and light coloring, break up an animal's outline and
make it harder to distinguish from the objects around it. Camouflage may
also involve imitation or mimicry, in which an animals appear to look
like another object, such as a leaf, or another, more dangerous animal,
such as a bee.
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of this story.
 K-3
Activity
 4-6
Activity
Young Naturalist
A Closer Look: Red Pine Treetop
While many people enjoy seeing large animals in places like lakes
and fields, smaller habitats can hide a surprising amount of life on a
smaller scale. For example, the branches of a tree harbor many animals
seeking food and shelter in any season. When outdoors, it's worthwhile
to take the time to study the landscape on a smaller scale--such as the
red pine tree top featured in this issue--for signs of activity that might
otherwise be overlooked.
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full text of this story.
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