Animals move in different ways — Biology, 4–6 years
Bodies are suited to different kinds of movement. Legs, wings, fins and other parts help animals travel in their surroundings.
Many ways to travel
Animals can walk, run, jump, crawl, swim, fly or slide. A duck has webbed feet for pushing water, while an earthworm squeezes and stretches its body to move through soil. Their bodies match the places where they travel.
Why compare movement?
When we see an animal move, we may wonder how it crosses grass, water or air. Comparing movements gives us a way to explain what its body is doing and why one animal can swim well while another cannot. It turns watching into a useful question.
Three animals, three journeys
Imagine a pond, a patch of grass and a tree. First, a fish pushes water with its fins and tail. Next, a rabbit pushes against the ground with its back legs. Finally, a bird beats its wings to push air down and rise.
The trap: flying is not the only movement
A child may call every animal that leaves the ground a flyer. That makes sense when a jumping frog or gliding squirrel seems to travel through the air. Look closely: a jump starts with a push, while true flight is supported by wings.
Watching animals outside
A nature walk becomes richer when you notice how an animal moves. You might see a snail slide, a blackbird hop and a duck paddle. Keep a safe distance and watch without chasing, so the animal can move as it normally does.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…