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Detective Tracking and Species Identifying. By: Deborah Dietzel. On a trip to GA my fellow science teachers and I came across a whole array of animal tracks in the mud. We need your help in identifying them by picking out certain characteristics are unique to the tracks . .
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Detective Tracking and Species Identifying By: Deborah Dietzel
On a trip to GA my fellow science teachers and I came across a whole array of animal tracksin the mud. We need your help in identifyingthem by picking out certain characteristics are unique to the tracks. Are you ready to begin--->
Each animal species (group) leaves a different track behind. • For example the dog species leaves a footprint that is different than our human species in the sand on the beaches Back
As scientists it is important to be be able to pick out characteristics that are unique to the track. • We can use this same technique in identifying plants too. Back
What are we looking for ? • Take a close look at the track. • What kind of observations can you conclude? • Can you rule out a particular species? • How is one track different than the other one ? Back
Does the track show Only Hand/Feet tracks (challenge) Tail Marks (medium) Hooves (easy)
4 2 How many fingers/toes/sections can you distinguish? 3
Feral Pig Finished Identifying Try another track
Look Closer Back
White Tail Deer Try another track Finished Identifying
Does the tail occur Alongside footprint tracks? Alone without any other tracks alongside it
Diamondback Terrapin Try another track Finished Identifying
Diamondback Rattlesnake Try another track Finished Identifying
YES NO Are there claws/nails present?Do you know what the scientific name for our thumbs are?
Are the claw marks further apart on track than the other? No Yes
Do the tracks display a thumb-like placement as our handprints do? YES No
Opossum Finished Identifying Try another track
Opposable Thumbs Human thumbs are called opposable thumbs because the thumb can be moved around to touch the other fingers, which gives us the ability to grasp things more easily, pick up small objects, and eating with one hand Most primates (ape, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, and monkeys) have opposable thumbs or toes.. Humans can move their thumb farther across their hand than any other primate. Back
Look Closer Back
Striped Skunk Try another track Finished Identifying
Look Closer Back
Nine-Banded Armadillo Try another track Finished Identifying
Common Raccoon Finished Identifying Try another track
Look Closer Back
Measurements ¾ inch diameter 6-8 inch length
Wilson’s Plover Finished Identifying Try another track
Tricolored Heron Finished Identifying Try another track
Thanks For Your Help • You are great Science Detectives!
Conclusion • What kinds of observations were easy to characterize? • Can you rule out a particular species? • What are some differences between tracks? • If you did not follow this plan how would you go across trying to figure out what animal the track came from? • By just looking at the track, is there anything that could help you figure out what the animal was?
Let’s make some further observations about • Habitat • Food selections • Ecosystem Placement • Adaptations