Animal Behavior and Adaptations

The video introduces fifth-graders to behavioral adaptations using the opossum as an example. It explains how opossums play dead and use other behaviors like growling to survive. The video also covers other behavioral adaptations such as hibernation, migration, and instincts. Mimicry is discussed as a combination of behavioral and structural adaptations, with examples like moths resembling leaves. The session concludes with a fact or fiction game about opossums hanging upside down.

What is the primary reason an opossum plays dead?

• To scare away other opossums

• To trick predators into thinking it is not a threat

• To attract a mate

• To find food more easily

Which of the following is NOT a behavior exhibited by opossums when threatened?

• Singing

• Playing dead

• Growling

• Hissing

What is an example of a behavioral adaptation in bears?

• Camouflage

• Hibernation

• Mimicry

• Migration

Why do geese migrate south for the winter?

• To find warmer climates

• To find new mates

• To escape predators

• To build nests

Which of the following is an instinctual behavior in birds?

• Swimming

• Building nests

• Flying in circles

• Playing dead

What is mimicry in the context of animal behavior?

• When an animal imitates another organism or object

• When an animal changes color

• When an animal sings

• When an animal plays dead

How does a moth use mimicry to avoid predators?

• By making loud noises

• By flying very fast

• By resembling a dead leaf

• By changing colors rapidly

What is the purpose of a moth moving like a leaf in the wind?

• To attract mates

• To confuse predators

• To find food

• To signal other moths

Is it true that opossums sleep hanging upside down by their tails?

• No, they never hang upside down

• Yes, they do it all the time

• No, they can only hang for a few moments

• Yes, but only in cartoons

What is the main takeaway from the fact or fiction game about opossums?

• Opossums are excellent climbers

• Opossums are nocturnal animals

• Opossums can hang upside down for hours

• Opossums do not sleep hanging by their tails