Activity

Skull comparisons

Summary
Compare predator and prey skulls for eye placement and teeth shape.
Science content
Biology: Features, Adaptations of Living Things (K, 1, 3, 7)
Biology: Classification of Living Things, Biodiversity (1, 3)
Biology: Food Webs, Ecosystems, Biomes (3, 4)
Biology: Evolution, Natural Selection (7)
Materials
  • skulls from predator and prey animals
Procedure

Students look and carefully handle the skulls.
Ask them which is from a predator animal and which a prey, by looking at the positon of the eye sockets and the shape of the teeth.

Prey animals have their eyes on the sides of their head, so they can see all around them and spot approaching predators. Their teeth are wide and flat, for grinding plants.
Predator animals have their eyes in the front of their head, allowing them to see in stereo and so accurately gauging the distance away of animal to chase. Predator teeth are sharp, to rip flesh.

Notes

Best as a station that can be monitored, or passed around a circle.

Grades taught
Gr K
Gr 1
Gr 5
Gr 6