Focusing on the specific color of animals and why they are these colors will help your students learn about animal adaptation and natural selection. While the stripes on a zebra may seem bold to you, the pattern blends well with the African horizon, making them less susceptible to prey. Most animals are a certain color because of their abilities to camouflage themselves or intimidate predators. After going over a variety of different animals and colors, pass out a worksheet with a series of different colors written on it. Ask your students to write next to the color what type of animal would use that color for adaptation and why.
Both butterflies and moths have intricate wing patterns and designs. While aesthetically engaging, these patterns serve an adaptive purpose, functioning both as camouflage and to ward off predators. In addition, mimicry is often found in butterfly wing patterns. Through adaptation, the patterns on butterflies wings have evolved to look like a less appealing species or butterfly, such as the monarch butterfly. In addition to showing different pictures of butterflies in class, you can go on a class trip to the park, observing the different butterflies and attempting to identify them.
Owls utilize their hearing and quiet flight to survive. To explore the idea that ear shape can affect hearing, have the students in your class make cones out of pieces of paper. Have them place them up to their ears while you make a hooting noise. Ask them to write down if they think the shape change improved their ability to hear or not. Within this lesson, it's also important to point out the unique wing structure and pelts of the owl, which allows for a quiet flight and helps keep the bird warm.
During an animal adaptation lesson plan, put a detailed picture of a lion up on the board. From here, ask them questions about each unique part of the lion. Ask your students why they think a lion has a mane and rough tongue. In addition, ask your students why a lion's eyes are positioned on the side of his head instead of in the middle. You can also ask about the loose belly skin of the lion, as well as the use of its retractile claws. Engaging your students during your lesson will force them to discover practical reasons why animals have adapted in certain ways.