Science KS1/KS2: How have animal skeletons adapted?
Martin Hughes-Games visits a zoology department and describes how the collection of animals has helped people to study evolution.
Some animals have been dried out, some have been stuffed and other specimens are only skeletons.
He looks at four limbed animals’ skeletons and how they are adapted for different functions.
These include a bat, dog, mole and a monkey.
He also compares the structure of a dolphin’s flipper to a human arm to explain the similarities in structure.
Charles Darwin used these observations to develop his theory that we have a common ancestor.
This clip is from the series Evolutionwatch.
Teacher Notes
This could be used before a visit to a zoo or a wildlife park.
Pupils could be asked to look at x-rays of animal skeletons and identify the function of the limb, then suggest which animal it belongs to.
As part of a classroom activity, teachers can draw around one pupil to produce a body outline, then draw in the bones for the limbs.
Curriculum Notes
This clip will be relevant for teaching Primary Science at KS1/KS2,1st level/2nd level particularly on the topic of animals and evolution.
