detective tracking and species identifying
Post on 25-Feb-2016
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Detective Tracking and
Species Identifying
By: Deborah Dietzel
On a trip to GA my fellow science teachers and I came across a whole array of animal tracks in the mud. We need your help in identifying
them by picking out certain characteristics are unique to the
tracks. Are you ready to begin
--->
Each animal species (group) leaves a different track behind.
For example the dog species leaves a footprint that is different than our human species in the sand on the beaches
Back
As scientists it is important to be be able to pick out characteristics that are unique to the track. We can use this same technique in identifying plants too.
Back
What are we looking for ?Take a close look at the track.
What kind of observations can you conclude?Can you rule out a particular species?How is one track different than the other one ?
Back
Here is what we came across. Let’s begin out investigation
Does the track show
Tail Marks
(medium)
Only Hand/Feet
tracks(challenge)
Hooves
(easy)
42How many
fingers/toes/sections can you distinguish?
3
Feral Pig
Try another trackFinished Identifying
White Tail Deer
Try another trackFinished Identifying
Does the tail occur Alongside footprint tracks?
Alone without any other tracks alongside it
Diamondback Terrapin
Try another trackFinished Identifying
Diamondback Rattlesnake
Try another trackFinished Identifying
Are there claws/nails present?
Do you know what the scientific name for our thumbs are?
YES NO
Are the claw marks further apart on track
than the other?Yes No
Do the tracks display a thumb-like placement as
our handprints do?
YES No
Opossum
Try another trackFinished Identifying
Opposable Thumbs Human thumbs are called opposable thumbs because the thumb can be moved around to touch the other fingers, which gives us the ability to grasp things more easily, pick up small objects, and eating with one hand
Most primates (ape, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, and monkeys) have opposable thumbs or toes..
Humans can move their thumb farther across their
hand than any other primate. Back
How many toes/fingers does the track show?
3 4 5
Striped Skunk
Try another trackFinished Identifying
How many toes/fingers does the track show?
4 53
Nine-Banded Armadillo
Try another trackFinished Identifying
Common Raccoon
Try another trackFinished Identifying
How many toes/fingers does the track show?
2 3 4
Measurements¾ inch diameter
6-8 inch length
Wilson’s Plover
Try another trackFinished Identifying
Tricolored Heron
Try another track
Finished Identifying
Thanks For Your Help
You are great Science Detectives!
Conclusion1. What kinds of observations were easy to
characterize? 2. Can you rule out a particular species?3. What are some differences between tracks?4. If you did not follow this plan how would you go
across trying to figure out what animal the track came from?
5. By just looking at the track, is there anything that could help you figure out what the animal was?
Let’s make some further observations about
HabitatFood selectionsEcosystem PlacementAdaptations
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