Download - BUFFALO ZOO DICHOTOMOUS KEY ACTIVITY FIELD GUIDE

BUFFALO ZOO DICHOTOMOUS KEY ACTIVITY FIELD GUIDE

• Activity I: Observable Characteristics Dichotomous Key

• Activity II: Rainforest Consumers Dichotomous Key

• Activity III: Natural Habitat Dichotomous Key

• Activity IV: Animal Exhibit Self-Created Dichotomous Key

Observable Characteristics Dichotomous Key Directions

1. Choose 4 of the animals from the list below and write their names in the ANIMAL BOX at the top of the Observable Characteristics Dichotomous Key: axis deer, addax, Indian one-horned rhinoceros, peafowl, roan antelope and spotted hyena.

2. Organize the 4 selected animals into a 2-3 tiered dichotomous key based on their observable characteristics. Do not use color or size; the color of animals can change with the seasons, and the size of an animal can change as it grows from a baby to an adult.

3. Begin by choosing a Property (ex. Head Adornment) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 2 animals OR 2 groups, one containing 1 animal and the other containing 3 animals in order to start your primary sort. Write the Property in Line A on the dichotomous key.

4. Describe the property by placing a Descriptor in Line B (ex. Has Antlers) and the opposite Descriptor in Line C using the No/Not Format (ex. Does Not Have Antlers).

5. Organize the 4 animals from the ANIMAL BOX into Box 1 and Box 2 based on whether they possess the descriptor (write these animals in Box 1) or not (write these animals in Box 2). Remember to ONLY use the 4 selected animals from the ANIMAL BOX!

6. Continue your sort using the animals from Box 1, only if 2-3 animals are in the box. If only 1 animal is present, that animal’s sort is complete.

7. Choose any Property (it may OR may not be the same property as the primary sort) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 1 animal OR 2 groups, one containing 2 animals and the other containing 1 animal in order to start your secondary sort. Write the Property in Line D on the dichotomous key. Remember, the animals are being separated by observable characteristics!

8. Describe the property by placing a Descriptor in Line E and the opposite Descriptor in Line F using the No/Not Format.

9. Organize the 2 OR 3 animals from Box 1 into Box 3 and Box 4 based on whether they possess the descriptor (Box 3) or not (Box 4) by writing the animals in the appropriate box. Remember to ONLY use the animals listed in Box 1.


11. Choose any Property (it may OR may not be the same property as the primary sort) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 1 animal OR 2 groups, one containing 2 animals and the other containing 1 animal in order to continue your secondary sort. Write the Property in Line G on the dichotomous key. Remember, the animals are being separated by observable characteristics!

12. Describe the property by placing a Descriptor in Line H and the opposite Descriptor in Line I using the No/Not Format.

13. Organize the 2 or 3 animals from Box 2 into Box 5 and Box 6 based on whether they possess the descriptor (Box 5) or not (Box 6) by writing the animals in the appropriate box. Remember to ONLY use the animals listed in Box 2.

14. If any of boxes 3-6 contain 2 animals, draw a tertiary sort under the appropriate secondary sort. Remember, the animals are being separated by observable characteristics! Do not forget to include the Property for the sort. Also, include the matching Descriptor using the No/Not format.

Organize the animals into 2 hand-drawn boxes based on the Descriptor.

VARIA

• Use the Buffalo Zoo map to locate the area of the zoo needed for the the Observable Characteristics Dichotomous Key activity.

• The Vocabulary pages can be used as a companion piece to the Observable Characteristics Dichotomous Key activity.

• If using the Dichotomous Key Field Guide for this activity, the boxed information will aid students in choosing Properties and Descriptors for the Observable Characteristics Dichotomous Key activity.

• The Vocabulary sheet and Field Guide should be used if the teacher deems them necessary, based on class and individual student ability levels.

Observable Characteristics Dichotomous Key Map-Go to the circled area on the map to complete this activity.

http://www.buffalozoo.org/zoo_map_2009.pdf�

Observable Characteristics

Dichotomous Key Vocabulary

• Antlers- branched bone-like outgrowths of the head; found on the heads of males in the deer family

• Appendage- a body part attached to the torso

• Binocular Vision- having eyes on the front of the head; allows animal to see with good depth perception; predators usually have this type of vision

• Bipedal- walks on 2 legs

• Camouflage- allows an animal to blend into their surroundings

• Communal Dung Heaps- a specific place where members of a type of animal come to deficate

• Crepuscular- active at dawn and dusk

• Crest- display feathers found on the top of the heads of some bird species

• Dew- the water found on plants at dawn; caused by transpiration (water loss through the stomates/holes in plant leaves)

• Dewclaws- a high toe on some mammals; in antelopes and deer, it can provide traction when

jumping and walking on soft ground

• Diurnal- active during the daytime

• Feathers- the body covering of birds

• Fur- a body covering for many mammals; it consists of 2 layers, the guard hairs (used for protection and camouflage) and the undercoat (provides warmth)

• Hair- a body covering for some mammals; consists of only 1 layer; elephants, rhinos, humans and sea mammals possess this

• Harems- a group of animals where 1 male lives and mates with many females

• Head Adornment- possessing body parts other than ears on the head (crests, antlers, horns, etc.)

• Hooves- the keratin sheath covering the toe of an Ungulate

• Horns- see True Horns below

• Landfowl- a group of birds that include domestic and game birds

• Nocturnal- active at night

• Nonretractable Claws- claws that are always fully extended, unlike those of a cat

• Paws- the foot of a mammal that has claws or nails

• Prehensile Lip- a lip capable of finger-like grasping

• Quadripedal- walks on 4 legs

• Side Vision- having eyes on the sides of the head; allows animal to see on both sides of their body simultaneously; prey animals usually have this type of vision

• True Horns- head adornment that consists of a keratin sheath surrounding a bony core; they are not shed

• Tubercules- bumps/outgrowths on the skin of some mammals

• Ungulate- hoofed mammal

ADDAX

• Animal Classification: o Antelope o Ungulate

• Habitat: o Sandy, stony regions of the

Sahara Desert; Africa • Adaptations:

o Crepuscular and nocturnal o Does not drink water often

(desert dweller); gets water from dew and the plants on which it feeds

o Coat color changes lighter in summer to reflect sunlight (heat absorption)

• General Information: o Critically endangered


(for use with Observable Characteristics Dichotomous Key I)

• Head Adornment o 2 spirally twisted

horns o True horns

• Eye Placement o Side vision

• Appendages o Hooves o Dewclaws present o Quadripedal

• Body Covering o Fur o Scraggly beard on

front neck o Short mane o Tufted tail

• Pattern o Brown/black patch

on head

AXIS DEER

• Animal Classification: o Deer

• Habitat: o Grasslands and forests

along rivers; Asia • Adaptations:

o Diurnal o Spots are kept

throughout lifetime; aid in camouflage

o Males retreat to forest to shed antlers and grow a new pair

o Good swimmers • General Information:

o Not endangered



• Head Adornment o 2 antlers (males

only) with 3 points • Eye Placement

o Side vision • Appendages

o Hooves o Dewclaws present o Quadripedal o Short non-tufted tail

• Body Covering o Fur

• Pattern o Spotted pattern on

body o Dark stripe down

middle of back

INDIAN ONE-HORNED RHINOCEROS

• Animal Classification: o Rhinoceros

• Habitat: o River plains,

swamp/forest adjacent to plains; Asia

• Adaptations: o Crepuscular, diurnal

and nocturnal o Solitary o Have communal dung

heaps o Poor sight o Excellent hearing o Excellent sense of smell o Good swimmer


Observable Characteristics (for use with Observable

Characteristics Dichotomous Key I)

• Head Adornment o Single horn on nose o Not a true horn

(made of compressed hair)

o Prehensile lip • Eye Placement

o Side vision • Appendages

o Quadripedal o Tail has bristles on

the end • Body Covering

o Hair o Loosely folded skin

that resembles armor o Skin covered in

tubercules o Brush tipped tail

PEAFOWL •

• Animal Classification:

o Bird o Landfowl- domestic bird

• Habitat: o Open forest and

bushland; Asia • Adaptations:

o Diurnal o Live in harems o Roost in trees at night

to avoid predators o Males grow brilliant tail

feathers to attract a female; tail feathers are shed after mating season

• General Information: o Male- peacock, female-

peahen o Not endangered



• Head Adornment o Brush-like feather

crest o Beak


• Appendages o Wings o Bipedal o Tail consists of tail

feathers • Body Covering

o Feathers • Pattern

o Eyespot pattern on tail (on peacock prior to molting)

ROAN ANTELOPE

• Animal Classification: o Antelope o Ungulate

• Habitat: o Savanna (with some

wooded areas); Africa • Adaptations:

o Crepuscular o Aggressive; will fight if

threatened; will kick, bite and sweep horns to side for defense

o Second largest antelope species

• General Information: o Not endangered



• Head Adornment o 2 scimitar-like horns o True horns


• Appendages o Hooves o Dewclaws present o Quadripedal o Tufted tail

• Body Covering o Fur o Slight beard on front

neck o Short mane of stiff,

black hairs • Pattern

o Large white patches in front of eye

SPOTTED HYENA

• Animal Classification: o Hyena

• Habitat: o Savanna and semi-

desert areas; Africa • Adaptations:

o Depends on location of clan; can be diurnal, crepuscular and/or nocturnal

o Female led society o Strong jaws to crush

bone o Whoops to gather clan o Laughs when

threatened • General Information:

o Closer genetically to cats than dogs

o Not endangered



• Eye Placement o Binocular vision

• Appendages o Paws o Nonretractable claws o Quadripedal o Front legs longer than

hind legs o Black tufted tail

• Body Covering o Fur o Course mane o Bushy tipped tail

• Pattern o Spots

Rainforest Consumers Dichotomous Key

Directions 1. Choose 4 of the animals from the list below and write their names in the ANIMAL BOX at the top of the Rainforest Consumers Dichotomous Key: capybara, chestnut-mandibled toucan, giant anteater, ocelot, red-bellied piranha, vampire bat.

2. Organize the 4 selected animals into a 2-3 tiered dichotomous key based on their consumer type. This can be viewed at the interactive display directly to the right as you enter the interactive display room.

3. Begin by choosing a Property (ex. Consumer Type) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 2 animals OR 2 groups, one containing 1 animal and the other containing 3 animals in order to start your primary sort. Write the Property in Line A on the dichotomous key.

4. Describe the property by placing a Descriptor in Line B (ex. Omnivore) and the opposite Descriptor in Line C using the No/Not Format (ex. Not an Omnivore).

5. Organize the 4 animals from the ANIMAL BOX into Box 1 and Box 2 based on whether they possess the descriptor (write

these animals in Box 1) or not (write these animals in Box 2). Remember to ONLY use the 4 selected animals from the ANIMAL BOX!

6. Continue your sort using the animals from Box 1, only if 2-3 animals are in the box. If only 1 animal is present, that animal’s sort is complete. 7. Choose any Property (it may OR may not be the same property as the primary sort) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 1 animal OR 2 groups, one containing 2 animals and the other containing 1 animal in order to start your secondary sort. Write the Property in Line D on the dichotomous key. Remember, the animals are being separated by consumer type!




11. Choose any Property (it may OR may not be the same property as the primary sort) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 1 animal OR 2 groups, one containing 2 animals and the other containing 1 animal in order to continue your secondary sort. Write the Property in Line G on the dichotomous key. Remember, the animals are being separated by consumer type!



14. If any of boxes 3-6 contain 2 animals, draw a tertiary sort under the appropriate secondary sort. Remember, the animals are being separated by consumer type! Do not forget to include the Property for the sort. Also, include the matching Descriptor using the No/Not format. Organize the animals into 2 hand-drawn boxes based on the Descriptor.

VARIA

• Use the Buffalo Zoo map to locate the area of the zoo needed for the the Rainforest Consumers Dichotomous Key activity.

• The Vocabulary pages can be used as a companion piece to the Rainforest Consumers Dichotomous Key activity.

• If using the Dichotomous Key Field Guide for this activity, the boxed information will aid students in choosing Properties and Descriptors for the Rainforest Consumers Dichotomous Key activity.


Rainforest Consumers Dichotomous Key Map- Go to the circled area on the map to complete this activity.


Rainforest Consumers Dichotomous Key

Vocabulary • Amphibians- frogs, toads,

salamanders, newts and caecilians

• Aquatic Plants- plants that live and grow in freshwater environments

• Bill- beak


• Carnivore- eats animals

• Cellulose- component structure of a plant’s cell wall

• Consumer- an organism that gets food from its environment



• Draculin- an enzyme in vampire bat saliva that prevents blood clotting; allows bat to feed freely


• Feces- solid waste

• Frugivores- eat 60% or more fruit and other plants (a specialized herbivore) OR 60% or more fruit and other plants and animals (a specialized omnivore)


• Graminivore- grass eater; specialized herbivore

• Herbivore- plant eater

• Insectivore- eats insects; a specialized carnivore

• Laps Blood- to take in liquid by lifting it with the tongue

• Later Line- line down the side of the body of a fish; a sense organ used to sense movement and vibrations

• Murky Water- water that is hard to see through; it contains soil, silt, etc.

• Omnivore- eats plants and animals

• Nasal Heat Sensors- sensory cells found by the nose that detects the heat of an animal for feeding purposes


• Reptiles- snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodilians

• Rosette Pattern- rose-like markings on coat

• Sanguinivore- specialized carnivore that eats blood

• Scavenger- eats carrion; animals found already dead

• Seed Disperser- an animal that scatters seeds throughout a habitat

• Small Cat Species- cannot roar; tuck paws under body and wrap tail around themselves when resting; feed in crouched position

• Solitary- lives alone

• Tapetum Lucidum- layer of the retina in the eye that reflects light back to the retina to aid in night vision

CAPYBARA

• Animal Classification: o Rodent

• Habitat: o Rainforest and flooded

plains; South America • Adaptations:

o Diurnal o Slightly webbed feet for

swimming o Roll in mud to prevent

sunburn due to coarse, sparse hair

o Eat own feces to digest tough cellulose in plants


Consumer Information

(for use with Rainforest Consumers Dichotomous Key II)

• Consumer: Herbivore o Eats mainly grasses o May eat aquatic

plants, tree bark and fruit

o Grasses, aquatic plants, tree bark and fruit are plants or come from plants

o Herbivores eat plants • Consumer: Grass eater or

graminivore o Eats grasses o Grass is a plant o Graminivores are

specialized herbivores that primarily eat grasses

CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED TOUCAN

• • Animal Classification:

o Bird • Habitat:

o Tropical Rainforest; Central and South America

• Adaptations: o Diurnal; crepuscular o Bill is hollow and

lightweight o Share fruit trees with

mate; male feeds, leaves ½ the fruit for the female and continues to the next tree

o Seed disperser • General Information:

o Not endangered

Consumer Information (for use with Rainforest Consumers

Dichotomous Key II)

• Consumer: Omnivore o Eats mainly fruits and

berries o May eat small

amphibians, reptiles and eggs

o Fruits and berries come from plants

o Amphibians, reptiles and eggs are or come from animals (meat source)

o Omnivores eat plants and animals

• Consumer: Frugivore o Eats primarily fruit o Fruit is a plant o The remaining portion

of a frugivores’ diet could consist only of other plants

OR plants AND animals

o Frugivores can be specialized herbivores that primarily eat fruit, but dine on other plants as well

OR specialized omnivores that primarily eat fruit, but dine on animals as well

GIANT ANTEATER

• Animal Classification: o Anteater o Toothless mammal

• Habitat: o Rainforest, grasslands,

deciduous forest; South America

• Adaptations: o Diurnal, nocturnal

when populations are high

o Solitary o No teeth; crushes

insects on hard growths in mouth

o Their “bear hugs” kill • General Information:

o Threatened



• Consumer: Carnivore o Eats ants and

termites o Ants and termites are

insects o Insects are animals

(meat) o Carnivores eat meat

• Consumer: Insectivore o Eats ants and

termites o Ants and termites are

insects o Insectivores eat

insects o Insectivores are

specialized carnivores that only eat insects

OCELOT

• Animal Classification: o Cat o Small cat species

• Habitat: o Forest and thorn scrub;

North, Central and South America

• Adaptations: o Nocturnal o Rosette pattern on fur

allows for camouflage o Tapetum lucidum layer

of eye collects light for good night vision

o Pluck feathers/fur from prey prior to eating




• Consumer: Carnivore o Eats small mammals,

birds, amphibians, fish and reptiles

o Mammals, birds, amphibians, fish and reptiles are animals (meat)

o Carnivores eat animals

RED-BELLIED PIRANHA

• Animal Classification: o Fish o Freshwater fish

• Habitat: o Amazon River basin;

South America • Adaptations:

o Diurnal o Razor sharp teeth

replace themselves as they fall out

o Locate prey in murky water by sensing motion using lateral line; thrashing animal = animal in distress

o Scavenger of humans • General Information:

o Not endangered



• Consumer: Omnivore o Eats mainly fish,

insects and snails o May scavenge dead

mammals, birds, reptiles, etc.

o Fish, snails, insects, mammals, birds and reptiles are animals (meat)

o Eats aquatic plants while hiding in water, awaiting its prey

o Aquatic plants are freshwater plants

o Omnivores eat animals and plants

VAMPIRE BAT

• Animal Classification: o Bat

• Habitat: o Caves, tree hollows;

Central/South America • Adaptations:

o Nocturnal o Nasal heat sensors

locate blood close to surface of prey

o Front teeth cut into prey

o Lap blood with tongue; do not “suck” it

o Possesses Draculin: an enzyme in its saliva that prevents blood clotting




• Consumer: Carnivore o Eats blood o Blood comes from

animals (meat) o Carnivores eat

animals • Consumer: Sanguinivore

o Eats blood o Blood comes from

animals o Sanguinivores are

specialized carnivores that only eat blood

Natural Habitat Dichotomous Key

Directions 1. Choose 4 of the animals from the list below and write their names in the ANIMAL BOX at the top of the Natural Habitat Dichotomous Key: Dama wallaby, desert cottontail, golden lion tamarin, Japanese macaque, Linne’s two-toed sloth, princess parro, and snow leopard.

2. Organize the 4 selected animals into a 2-3 tiered dichotomous key based on characteristics of their natural habitat. This information can be obtained by observing characteristics of the Ecostation and Vanishing Animals exhibits, and by reading the available animal signage and the natural habitat signage (present in the Ecostation only).

3. Begin by choosing a Property (ex. Dominant Plantlife) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 2 animals OR 2 groups, one containing 1 animal and the other containing 3 animals in order to start your primary sort. Write the Property in Line A on the dichotomous key.

4. Describe the property by placing a Descriptor in Line B (ex. Vines Present) and the opposite Descriptor in Line C using the No/Not Format (ex. No Vines Present).


6. Continue your sort using the animals from Box 1, only if 2-3 animals are in the box. If only 1 animal is present, that animal’s sort is complete. 7. Choose any Property (it may OR may not be the same property as the primary sort) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 1 animal OR 2 groups, one containing 2 animals and the other containing 1 animal in order to start your secondary sort. Write the Property in Line D on the dichotomous key. Remember, the animals are being separated by the characteristics of their natural habitats!




11. Choose any Property (it may OR may not be the same property as the primary sort) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 1 animal OR 2 groups, one containing 2 animals and the other containing 1 animal in order to continue your secondary sort. Write the Property in Line G on the dichotomous key. Remember, the animals are being separated by the characteristics of their natural habitats!



14. If any of boxes 3-6 contain 2 animals, draw a tertiary sort under the appropriate secondary sort. Remember, the animals are being separated by the characteristics of their natural habitats! Do not forget to include the Property for the sort. Also, include the matching

Descriptor using the No/Not format. Organize the animals into 2 hand-drawn boxes based on the Descriptor.

VARIA

• Use the Buffalo Zoo map to locate the area of the zoo needed for the the Natural Habitat Dichotomous Key activity.

• The Vocabulary pages can be used as a companion piece to the Natural Habitat Dichotomous Key activity.

• If using the Dichotomous Key Field Guide for this activity, the boxed information will aid students in choosing Properties and Descriptors for the Natural Habitat Dichotomous Key activity.


Natural Habitat Dichotomous Key Map- Go to the circled area on the map to complete this activity.


Natural Habitat Dichotomous Key

Vocabulary • Arboreal (animal)- lives in trees

• Algae- mostly unicellular plants

• Big Cat Species- can roar; sit with paws out in front of them and feed while laying down

• Biodiversity- a measure of the variety of organisms that live in a specific area

• Broadleaf Trees- any tree with broad or flat leaves


• Cheek Pouches- a fold of skin in the mouth used for food storage

• Climate- the condition of the atmosphere over a long period of time

• Conifer Trees- fir trees

• Cosmopolitan Animal- an animal that can live in many parts of the world


• Deciduous Forest- a forest characterized by deciduous trees (broadleaf trees that lose their leaves in winter)

• Deciduous Trees- broadleaf trees that lose their leaves in winter

• Deficate- producing solid waste

• Desert- an area of land that receives 10 inches of rain/year or less


• Energy Deficient Diet- eating food that does not provide a large amount of energy for survival

• Foraging- to search for food

• Frostbite- destruction of skin cells due to exposure to zero/subzero temperatures


• Geography- the land features present in an area

• Gregarious- animals living and moving with others of their own species

• Habitat- the place where an organism lives that provides it with natural resources (ex. food, water, shelter and mates)

• Hot Springs- water that comes to the surface of the earth from below that is naturally heated by the magma in the earth below the surface

• Inhabitant- an organism that lives in a particular place

• Joey- kangaroo baby

• Lifespan- the amount of time an organism can be expected to survive

• Litter- many young produced at one birth

• Marsupial- pouched mammal; bear young at an early stage, joey develops further in the mother’s pouch

• Meadows- grassland

• “Mobbing” Behavior- defense mechanism against predators when a group of individuals of a specific species attack/harass a predator together


• Offspring- the young of an organism

• Parrot- tropical/subtropical birds that possess short, hooked beaks and (usually) brightly colored feathers

• Precipitation- any form of water that falls from the sky (ex. rain, snow, etc.)

• Primate- a mammal with highly developed hands and feet, a short snout and large brain

• Reproduce- bear young

• Savanna- a flat tropical/ subtropical grassland

• Scrub Forest- occurs between 30-40 degrees latitude, near coasts with cold ocean currents; most rain falls in winter; plantlife characterized by drought resistant shrubs

• Seasons- a division of the year marked by changes in the weather

• Shrubs- a relatively short woody plant

• Snowshoes- a broad surface that allows one to walk in snow without with ease

• Temperature- a measure of how hot or cold something is

• Terrestrial (animal)- animals that live on land

• Treeline- the altitude limit on mountains where trees cannot grow; occurs in high altitudes

• Tropical Rainforest- an area of land located near the equator that receives 67-300 inches of rain/year; temperatures must be at least 64 ◦F

• Vines- a plant with a weak stem; it supports itself by “climbing” on objects or other plants

• Woodlands- land with trees and shrubs

DAMA WALLABY

• Animal Classification: o Small kangaroo o Marsupial

• Habitat: o Scrub forest and

savannas; Australia • Adaptations:

o Crepuscular o Strong tail used for

balance when hopping and support when sitting

o Joeys born prematurely (28 days); finish development in mother’s pouch at 150 days

• General Information: o Threatened

Natural Habitat Information (for use with Natural Habitat

Dichotomous Key III)

• Climate o 2 seasons (wet and

dry) • Geography/Animal Habitat

Characteristics o Scrub forest o Terrestrial

• Precipitation o 20-30 inches/year

• Temperature o 80-110 ◦F

• Dominant Plantlife o Shrubs o Scattered trees

• Biodiversity o Low biodiversity o Well adapted to dry

conditions

DESERT COTTONTAIL

• Animal Classification: o Rabbit

• Habitat: o Desert; North and

Central America o Scrub forests

• Adaptations: o Crepuscular and

nocturnal o Cosmopolitan animal o Can reproduce at 3

months old; females have 2-4 litters/year; average lifespan in wild- 2 years




DESERT COTTONTAIL



Characteristics o Desert-like grasslands o Terrestrial

• Precipitation o <10 inches/year

• Temperature o Can be <32 ◦F (night)

to 113 ◦F (day) • Dominant Plantlife

o Dry adapted grasses o Shrubs

• Biodiversity o Low biodiversity o Adapted to dry

conditions

GOLDEN LION TAMARIN

• Animal Classification: o New world monkey o Primate

• Habitat: o Tropical rainforests;


o Diurnal o Sharp nails and long

fingers allow for arboreal life

o Males primarily raise offspring


Natural Habitat Information

(for use with Natural Habitat Dichotomous Key III)



Characteristics o Lowland coastal

rainforest o Arboreal

• Precipitation o >100 in./year


• Dominant Plantlife o Broadleaf trees o Vines

• Biodiversity o High biodiversity

because it is a rainforest inhabitant

JAPANESE MACAQUE

• Animal Classification: o Monkey o Primate

• Habitat: o Deciduous forest and

low hills; Japan • Adaptations:

o Diurnal o Cheek pouches carry

food while foraging o Soak in natural hot

springs to warm up in the winter

o Often washes food before eating it




• Climate o 4 seasons (winter,

spring, summer and fall)

• Geography/Animal Habitat Characteristics

o Hilly, deciduous forest o Terrestrial

• Precipitation o 20-40 inches/year

• Temperature o < 32 ◦F-85 ◦F

• Dominant Plantlife o Broadleaf, deciduous

trees • Biodiversity

o Average level o Adapted to seasonal

changes

LINNE’S TWO-TOED SLOTH

• Animal Classification: o Sloth

• Habitat: o Rainforest; Central and


o Nocturnal o Slow moving; allows

survival on energy deficient diet of leaves

o Comes down to forest floor 1/week to deficate

o Green algae grows in fur; aids in camouflage




TWO-TOED SLOTH



Characteristics o Tropical rainforest o Arboreal

• Precipitation o >100 in./year


• Dominant Plantlife o broadleaf trees

• Biodiversity o High biodiversity

because it is a rainforest inhabitant

PRINCESS PARROT

• Animal Classification: o Bird o Parrot

• Habitat: o Scrub forest and

woodlands; Australia • Adaptations:

o Diurnal o Participate in “mobbing”

behavior to deter predators

o Gregarious; aids in protection and socialization






Characteristics o Scrub forest o Arboreal

• Precipitation o 20-30 in./year


• Dominant Plantlife o Shrubs o Scattered trees

• Biodiversity o Low biodiversity o Well adapted to dry

conditions

SNOW LEOPARD

• Animal Classification: o Cat o Big cat species

• Habitat: o Mountains; Central Asia

• Adaptations: o Crepuscular or

nocturnal o Fur is 1-3 inches thick;

protection from cold o Tail as long as body;

allows for balance; wraps around nose when sleeping in cold to prevent frostbite

o Large, furry paws act as snowshoes




• Climate o 2 season (winter and

summer) • Geography/Animal Habitat

Characteristics o Summer: lives in mid-

elevation meadows and rocky regions above treeline

o Winters: lives in forest o Terrestrial

• Precipitation o Meadows: <5 in./year o Rocky regions: <.03

in./year o Forest: >15

inches/year • Temperature

o Below 32-65 ◦F • Dominant Plantlife

o Meadow: shrubs, short grasses, wildflowers

o Forests: broadleaf and conifer trees

• Biodiversity o Low biodiversity o Plants and animals

are adapted to alpine living

Animal Exhibit Self-Created Dichotomous

Key Directions 1. Choose 4 of the animals from the list below and write their names in the ANIMAL BOX at the top of the Animal Exhibit Self- Created Dichotomous Key: Asian elephant, California sealion, cinereous vulture, polar bear, river otter and Scandinavian reindeer.

2. Organize the 4 selected animals into a 2-3 tiered self-created dichotomous key based on characteristics of their zoo exhibit. This information can be obtained by viewing the Zoo Animal Exhibit PowerPoint or photocopied pages from the PowerPoint. Remember to draw the dichotomous key structure prior to beginning this activity!

3. Begin by choosing a Property (ex. Water Source) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 2 animals OR 2 groups, one containing 1 animal and the other containing 3 animals in order to start your primary sort. Draw Line A and write the Property in Line A on the dichotomous key.

4. Draw Line B and Line C above Box 1 and Box 2. Describe the property by placing a Descriptor in Line B (ex. Fountain Present) and the opposite Descriptor in

Line C using the No/Not Format (ex. No Fountain Present).


6. Continue your sort using the animals from Box 1, only if 2-3 animals are in the box. If only 1 animal is present, that animal’s sort is complete. 7. Draw Line D and choose any Property (it may OR may not be the same property as the primary sort) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 1 animal OR 2 groups, one containing 2 animals and the other containing 1 animal in order to start your secondary sort. Write the Property in Line D on the dichotomous key. Remember, the animals are being separated by the characteristics of zoo exhibits!

8. Draw Line E and Line F above Box 3 and Box 4. Describe the property by placing a Descriptor in Line E and the opposite Descriptor in Line F using the No/Not Format.

9. Organize the 2 OR 3 animals from Box 1 into Box 3 and Box 4 based on whether they possess the descriptor (Box 3) or not (Box

4) by writing the animals in the appropriate box. Remember to ONLY use the animals listed in Box 1.


11. Draw Line G and choose any Property (it may OR may not be the same property as the primary sort) that will separate your animals into 2 groups of 1 animal OR 2 groups, one containing 2 animals and the other containing 1 animal in order to continue your secondary sort. Write the Property in Line G on the dichotomous key. Remember, the animals are being separated by the characteristics of their zoo exhibits!



14. If any of boxes 3-6 contain 2 animals, draw a tertiary sort under the appropriate secondary sort. Remember, the animals are

being separated by the characteristics of their zoo exhibits! Do not forget to include the Property for the sort. Also, include the matching Descriptor using the No/Not format. Organize the animals into 2 hand-drawn boxes based on the Descriptor.

VARIA

• Use the Buffalo Zoo map to locate the area of the zoo needed for the the Animal Exhibit Self-Created Dichotomous Key activity.

• The Vocabulary pages can be used as a companion piece to the Animal Exhibit Self-Created Dichotomous Key activity.

• If using the Dichotomous Key Field Guide for this activity, the boxed information will aid students in choosing Properties and Descriptors for the Animal Exhibit Self-Created Dichotomous Key activity.


Animal Exhibit Self-Created Dichotomous Key Map- Go to the circled area on the map to complete this activity.


Animal Exhibit Self-Created Dichotomous

Key Vocabulary • Agile- ease of movement

• Animal Housing - indoor facilities for animal privacy, training, shelter, etc.

• Animal Privacy- places where zoo animals can go to escape the public eye

• Arctic Regions- a cold area between the North Pole and the timberline (above which trees do not grow)

• Arid Regions- dry areas

• Burrow- a hole or tunnel dug into the ground

• Carrion- dead, decaying flesh

• Cave- a hollow passage into a mountain, hill, etc.

• Coastal Waters- water near the seashore



• Enrichment- objects/zookeeper alterations to animal exhibits that are provided to allow the animals to show naturalistic behaviors/”exercise” their minds

• Exhibit- a place to present an object/organism

• External Ear Flaps- ear lobes


• Fencing- a barrier made of posts and wire

• Flippers- a wide, flat limb that is adapted for swimming

• Fountain- an artificial stream of water that moves upward


• Gate- the opening of a fence

• Grasslands- a prairie/meadow that contains various species of grasses

• Guard Hairs- the top layer of fur in mammals; aids in protection and camouflage

• Hoof Rim- outer edge of the hoof

• Hooves- the keratin sheath covering the toe of an Ungulate

• Insulation- stops heat loss

• Keeper Door- a closed off entryway where zookeepers can enter/exit can exhibit

• Moat- a deep ditch used for protection

• Naturalistic Features- objects in an exhibit that resemble the animal’s natural


• Pinniped- carnivorous marine mammals (seals, walruses, sea lions) that use fins for locomotion

• Pool- a small body of still water

• Positive Relief Walls- walls that slant in to prevent an animal from escaping its exhibit; in nature there is usually negative relief due to weathering

• Prey- the hunted

• Public Safety- methods used to keep zoo people free from harm

• Railing- a structure used as a barrier

• Housing - indoor facilities for animal privacy, training, alternate shelter, etc.

• Raptor- bird of prey; has a sharp hooked beak for tearing meat and talons (sharp claws)

• Rockwork- fake stone that resembles actual rocks; usually made of gunite (sprayed concrete over steel reinforcement)

• Salt Water Pools- a small body of water with dissolved minerals (salts) in it; resembles ocean water

• Sloped Floor- a lower, angled surface of an area

• Soar- to glide

• Snowshoes- a broad surface that allows one to walk in snow without with ease

• Steppes- arid, grass covered plain

• Stream- a flow of water in a channel

• Traction- adhesion

• Tree Fencing- protects trees from animals

• Trunk- nose and upper lip of an elephant; can be used to spray water into their mouths or onto their bodies

• Ungulate- hoofed mammal

• Waterfall- water descending from a great height

• Water Source- the place where water comes from

• Webbed Feet- toes are connected by a thin fold of skin to aid in swimming

• Wingspan- length from wing tip to wing tip

• Zookeeper Access- the place where the zookeeper (worker who tends to animal needs, provides training, etc.) enters the exhibit for cleaning, training, enrichment placement, etc.

ASIAN ELEPHANT

• Animal Classification: o Elephant

• Habitat: o Forests/grasslands of

India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and Borneo; Asia

• Adaptations: o Diurnal o Ears are smaller than

African elephants o Trunk is strong enough

to pick up tree trunks, but is agile enough to pick up a dime

• General Information: o Endangered

Animal Exhibit Information

(for use with Animal Exhibit Dichotomous Key IV)

• Access to Water o Fountain o Pool

• Enrichment (varies) o Ball o Tire

• Public Safety o Railing o Sloped floor of exhibit o Walls

• Zookeeper Access o Keeper door o Gate

• Animal Privacy o Elephant house o Tree fencing

• Naturalistic Features o Water o Plantlife o Nothing

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CALIFORNIA SEA LION

• Animal Classification: o Sea lion o Pinniped

• Habitat: o Coastal waters of

California; North America

o May be found along the coasts from British Columbia to Mexico

• Adaptations: o Diurnal o Walk on flippers; unlike

seals (flop on stomach) o Have external ear flaps;

unlike seals (no ear flaps)




• Access to Water o Swim in salt water

pool o Get water from food

• Public Safety o Thick glass o Fencing o Rockwork walls

• Zookeeper Access o Keeper doors

• Animal Privacy o Sea lion house o Various pool paths o Under bridges

• Naturalistic Features o Rockwork o Plantlife o Salt water pool

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CINEREOUS VULTURE

• Animal Classification: o Bird o Raptor

• Habitat: o Open, arid regions and

steppes; Europe, Asia, north Africa

• Adaptations: o Diurnal o 8-9 ½ ft. wingspan,

soars to find carrion o Few feathers on head;

rotten flesh won’t stick • General Information:

o Threatened



• Public Safety o Fencing

• Zookeeper Access o Keeper door

• Animal Privacy o Wooden shelter o Plant-life

• Naturalistic Features o Plants o Nothing

POLAR BEAR

• Animal Classification: o Bear

• Habitat: o Arctic regions; North

America, Europe, Asia • Adaptations:

o Diurnal o Small ears; reduces

heat loss o Black skin absorbs heat o Very furry paws act as

insulation and snowshoes

o Can swim up to 60 miles to locate prey


Animal Exhibit Information (for use with Animal Exhibit

Dichotomous Key IV)

• Access to Water o Waterfall o Stream o Pond

• Enrichment (varies) o Plastic tub o Tree branches

• Public Safety o Moat o Railing o Rockwork

• Zookeeper Access o “Stairway” on sides of

exhibit • Animal Privacy

o Cave o Behind rockwork

• Naturalistic Features o Tree branches o Water o Ice (during winter) o Nothing

RIVER OTTER

• Animal Classification: o Otter

• Habitat: o Freshwater shoreline;

North America • Adaptations:

o Diurnal, crepuscular and nocturnal

o Completely webbed feet aid in swimming

o Long guard hairs of fur aid in insulation

o Establishes burrows with multiple openings; at least 1 faces the water


Animal Exhibit Information (for use with Animal Exhibit

Dichotomous Key IV)

• Access to Water o Waterfall o Stream o Pond

• Public Safety o Positive relief walls o Thick glass windows


• Animal Privacy o Plant-life o Hollowed “logs” o Otter house

• Naturalistic Features o Native NYS plants o Waterfall, stream,

pond o Rockwork o Fallen logs

SCANDINAVIAN REINDEER

• Animal Classification: o Reindeer o Ungulate

• Habitat: o Arctic regions; Europe

and Asia • Adaptations:

o Diurnal & crepuscular o Hooves are flexible in

spring/summer to provide traction on wet ground, and hard in winter to expose the hoof rim to avoid slipping




• Access to Water o Pond

• Enrichment (varies) o Large, plastic spool

• Public Safety o Railing o Moat


• Animal Privacy o Reindeer house o Moat

• Naturalistic Features o Water o Plantlife o Nothing

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