Adaptation In Pond Animals

Adaptation In Pond Animals (April- October only)
Study animals from one of our ponds to discover how real animals are adapted through evolution to their habitat. Threats to the habitat and the impact on the animal species found will be considered in relation to the climate and ecological emergency.

Learning objectives

• To use classification keys to sort animals into different groups according to observable characteristics.
• To observe the similarities and differences between characteristics of the animals found in a habitat, giving reasons for classifying them into a certain group.
• Recognise how the animals studied have adapted to that habitat through evolution.
• Identify individual animals’ adaptations and their purpose.
• Consider threats to forest habitats (including the climate emergency) and the impact on the animal species found.

National Science curriculum links 
Y6 
Living things and their habitats

• Describe how living things are classified into broad groups according to common observable characteristics and based on similarities and differences, including microorganisms, plants, and animals.
• Give reasons for classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics.

Evolution and inheritance

• Recognise that living things have changed over time.
• Recognise that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but normally offspring vary and are not identical to their parents.
• Identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.