Hide and Seek

In the wild, it often comes down to predator and

prey. There is the hunter and there is the hunted. Animals want to stay alive. They hide or escape from animals who would like to eat them. So how do they do it? They adapt to their environment. One very helpful adaptation is called camouflage.

What is the function of camouflage in the wild?

• to hide or escape from animals who would like to eat them

• to stay away from animals who would like to eat them

• to make friends with animals who would like to eat them

Camouflage helps animals in the wild blend into their surroundings, so well that you nearly miss seeing it. The animal's coloring, markings or other physical features allow it to blend in to the area around it.

Who is it referring to?

• the animal's camouflage

• the animal's coloring

• the animal itself

• the animal's physical features

Animals use camouflage to fool a predator. The hidden animal is not seen when a predator scans an area looking for food. Wild goats, for example, have coats that make them look invisible among rocks. A baby giraffe's coat helps it hide among the grass and trees. A chameleon is a lizard that will change colors depending on the surface it is on.

How can an animal hide from its predators? Choose the most accurate answer.

• changes colour to appear like rocks

• takes cover behind big rocks

• makes itself look invisible among rocks

Camouflage often works the other way round too. Predators use camouflage to trap their prey. A predator can attack unexpectedly an animal it wants to eat. The prey animal doesn't see danger because the predator blends into the habitat. A leopard's spotted coat helps it blends in to the background and sneak up on its prey.

Which of the following statements is not true?

• All predators are carnivores

• Some predators are herbivores

• Predators come in many sizes and shapes

• Predators are animals that eat other animals

Another popular adaptation is mimicry. Mimicry is when the animal has the physical characteristics that makes it look like the other animal or a plant. Some moths look like a wasp. Predators that don't like wasps will think the moth is a wasp and do not eat it.

Which of the following is true?

• When a harmless insect resembles a poisonous creature, it mimicries that creature.

• When a harmless creature blends with its surroundings, it mimicries those surroundings.

• When a poisonous creature cries aloud , it mimicries to attract attention.

The main theme of this passage is about.....

• hide and seek

• camouflage and mimicry

• predators and their prey

Animals camouflage and mimicry to

• protect themselves

• play hide and seek together

• look like their surroundings