Animal Structures (Internal & External)

Allows animals to eat hard seeds and other types of food; helps animal protect itself.

• Beak

• Mouth

• Exoskeleton

• Ear

Which internal structure controls all the functions of the body?

• Liver

• Heart

• Brain

• Kidney

Claw is an external structure. What is its main function?

• Used to grasp branches, grab prey, defense; sharp, pointed extension of an animal’s toe.

• Helps in breathing underwater.

• Used for storing food.

• Provides insulation against cold.

What are two functions of ears in animals?

• Help animal change color; can help animal produce light.

• Help animal fly; can help animal swim.

• Help animal digest food; can help animal climb trees.

• Help animal sense danger; can help regulate body temperature.

What is the function of an exoskeleton (external) in animals?

• Helps animals to breathe underwater.

• Provides protection of internal structures and from predators; hard outer covering on some insects and animals.

• Allows animals to produce food through photosynthesis.

• Enables animals to fly without wings.

Which structure functions to provide vision and helps animals find food and avoid predators?

• Ear

• Eye

• Nose

• Mouth

Feathers are external structures. What are their functions?

• The covering of a bird’s body; functions to camouflage and regulate body temperature.

• Feathers help birds to digest food.

• Feathers are used for breathing.

• Feathers are the main source of energy for birds.

Fins are flat appendages found on fish. What is their main function?

• Used for breathing.

• Used for locomotion (movement).

• Used for eating food.

• Used for making sounds.

Flippers are flat, modified legs in sea birds, mammals, and reptiles. What is their main function?

• Used for locomotion (movement).

• Used for digging burrows.

• Used for making nests.

• Used for attracting mates.

Fur/hair is an external structure. What are its functions?

• Functions to regulate body temperature; serves to camouflage; outer covering on most mammals.

• Helps in digestion; aids in breathing; forms the skeleton.

• Produces energy; stores fat; controls movement.

• Acts as a sensory organ; helps in vision; enables flight.