Animal Research Project

• Animals change over many years to better survive in a particular environment.

• How do adaptations help animals survive in their environment?

• How can I observe the changes in the world?• How can I interact with a changing world?

The Philadelphia Zoo/Aquarium called…

and they need your help to make a new animal exhibit! You will research an animal that lives in a desert, forest, or ocean habitat. You need to gather information to help them complete the exhibit.

1. Describe the animal’s habitat.2. How does the animal meet its basic

needs within its habitat?3. How do the adaptations of the

animal’s body help it to survive?4. What are the animal’s natural

predators?5. How can humans help and/or hurt

the animal?

Animal Research Project

My Animal:Cheetah

Name:Room 105

Habitat• Grasslands of Africa• Largest population in Africa in the country

Namibia• Open spaces• Near mountains• Fields with tall grasses• Small trees (to hide behind)• Trees to climb• How it meets its basic needs- hunts and

eats rabbits, game birds, antelope, zebra, hares and wildebeest; naps in trees

Adaptations(What does the animal do/have to survive in its habitat?)

• Camouflage- pattern of black spots; hide

• Long, strong legs and long flexible back to help it run

• Claws that act like spikes to help it run fast

• Two black stripes on face to shade eyes from sun

Predators

• Lions• Caracals• Eagles• Hyenas

Do Humans Hurt?• Poachers kill cheetahs to sell fur,

claws, and teeth• Farmers kill them because they eat

their cattle• More and more large areas being

turned into farmland- NO PREY!

Do Humans Help?

• Wildlife Parks- keep cheetahs safe• World Wildlife Fund-works to stop

poaching