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SPRING 1999
This issue of Puddler focuses
on "duck designs"-adaptations that allow waterfowl to make use of land,
air and water environments throughout their life cycle. It also begins
a four-part series that encourages children to look more closely at nature's
"small spaces" (such as the muskrat lodge featured in this issue); these
"mini habitats" often harbor surprising amounts of life.
Special Feature:
"Waterfowl: Wizards of Water, Land
and Air"
Summary:
Waterfowl (ducks, geese and swans) are one of
the few types of animals that can fly through the air, swim on water and
travel on land. Most animals are designed by Nature to make use of one
or possibly two of these environments. Scientists call this natural design
adaptation. An adaptation helps an animal escape danger, find food or raise
a family. Animals' behaviors as well as their physical features may be
adaptations. Examples of waterfowl adaptations include wings, webbed feet,
the ability to dive and feathers.
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K-3 Activity
4-6 Activity
More About...:
"...Duck Designs"
Summary:
Scientists divide ducks into two general groups:
dabblers and divers. This division is based on ducks' adaptations, mainly
to water environments. Dabblers are ducks that feed in shallow waters,
dunking their heads under to find food. Divers are ducks that swim and
dive in deeper waters. Scientists can decide which group a duck belongs
to by looking at adaptations such as body shape, feeding habits, flight
and movement in water.
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Young Naturalist
"A Closer Look:The Muskrat Lodge"
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, a muskrat lodge (a simple home
made of cattails) may be a gathering place not only for muskrats but for
a variety of birds, reptiles, invertebrates and other animals. The lodge
is a mini world for these animals. When outdoors, it's worthwhile to take
the time to study these smaller habitats and others, such as a pile of
dead branches, for signs of activity that might have been overlooked before.
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