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Digital Inquiry - Claws

Last updated over 1 year ago
6 questions

VIDEO: Claws- Adaptations and Exceptions


Learn about animal adaptations and exceptions from the ambassador of the San Diego Zoo as he highlights the different kinds of animal claws and their uses.
1

Drag each animal to the matching way they use their claws.

  • skunk
  • Meerkat
  • Koala
  • Grizzly Bear
  • Digging
  • Climbing

TEXT: Applause for Claws


Animal claws are specialized for the tasks that each animal needs for survival in its environment.

Polar bears live in icy Arctic areas. Sharp, curved claws help grab onto the ice to keep the bears from sliding. They also use their claws to grip and tear apart their prey.

Koalas of Australia live in trees and eat only eucalyptus leaves. Their short, sharp, hooked claws are good for climbing.

Digging animals have long claws with hooked ends. This shape can move a lot of dirt, sand, or ice.

Grizzly bears dig for food: insects, roots, and rodents. Grizzlies also dig dens to shelter in during cold months.

A dog’s claws are always out and are blunt on the ends rather than sharp. These kinds of claws act like cleats on a sport shoe to grab into the ground and provide traction when running.

What kind of claws do you think a fast African cheetah has?
1

How do these animals use their claws?

  • Dogs
  • Polar Bears
  • Grizzly Bears
  • Koalas
  • African Cheetah
  • Grip prey
  • Climbing
  • Traction
  • Digging

Fact Sheet: Three-Banded Armadillo

1
The Three-Banded Armadillo use its __________ claws to __________ into __________. The claws are also used to __________ to snack on __________.

Video: Two-Toed Sloth

1

How does a sloth use its claws?

1
While most land mammals have claws, animals use them for different purposes.

Koalas and two-toed sloths spend a lot time in __________. Their short, sharp, hooked claws are used for _____________.

Some animals, like the meerkat, skunk, grizzly bear, and ___________________________ use their claws for digging. Their claws are _________ and hooked to help them dig for food.

A polar bear’s claws serve two main functions. Sharp, curved claws help it grab on to the ________ and hunt their _________.

A cheetah is built for speed. Its claws do not retract, but instead are always out. This helps the cheetah _________ the ground.

Claws are used for climbing, ____________, hunting, and providing traction when
running.
Other Answer Choices:
digging
three-banded armadillo
prey
grip
ice
trees
climbing
long

Article: A Race to Survive


A cheetah is the world’s fastest land animal.
1

How does a cheetah use its claws?