Animal References

Discover fascinating facts and statistics about animals with these charts and articles. Use the resources below to teach students about animal classification, behavior, and habitats. You will find background information on endangered species, reading passages about dinosaurs, and lists of vocabulary terms to distribute. Lead your class through many science projects and activities with these animal references for elementary, intermediate, and high school students.

Animal Vocabulary Types of Animal Scientists A list of various types of animal scientists. Animal Vocabulary: Families and Behavior A list of words that are used to describe animal families or behavior. Animal Group Terms Use a list that provides terms (such as herds, flocks, and murders) for various animal groups. Animal Vocabulary These terms describe various animal attributes. Reference Articles Vertebrates Versus Invertebrates An article about the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates. President Classification of Animals An article about the scientific classification of animals. Animals as Athletes An article about various sports in which animals participate. Animal Cloning: Facts and Fallacies An article about the facts of animal cloning. Animal Defenses An article with photos of some of the innovative means animals have developed for attack and defense. Animal Fathers Read about how various animals father their young. Helping the Whale Conservation Effort Learn what you can do to help protect whales. Animals in Uniform An article about how animals have been used to help fight wars. Misnamed Animals A brief article, including photos, about animals that are misnamed. Reptiles & Amphibians Some Unusual Facts About Snakes Students learn basic facts about snakes, including how much they eat, how big they get, how long they live, and more. Care and Handling of Live Reptiles and Amphibians Distribute an article that gives important information on how to safely and properly handle live animals. Eastern Newt Species Account This article includes a description of the Eastern Newt, as well as an explanation of its habitat, natural history, conservation status, and more. Amphibian Population Declines Background information on the decline and extinction of many amphibians. Mystery of the Malformed Frogs -- Background Information Read about a middle-school class' discovery of a large group of malformed frogs and the research that took place due to their findings. Reptile and Amphibian Defense Systems Protecting themselves against predators is a full-time job for reptiles and amphibians. This article describes several defense systems used by these fascinating animals. Reptile and Amphibian Life Span and Life History Background information on the life span of reptiles and amphibians. Reptiles and Amphibians Through the Ages Background information on the evolution of some reptiles and amphibians, as well as the extinction of others.

Lists & Charts Speed of Animals A chart displaying the speed of a selection of animals; includes pictures. Disease-Carrying Animals A list of animals and the diseases they may carry. Gestation and Longevity of Animals A chart of longevity and gestation lengths of certain animals. Royal Pets A chart listing royal pets. Animal Communication A brief list of some ways animals express themselves. Common Household Pets A brief article listing common household pets around the world. List of Rain Forest Animals A list of animals that make their home in the rain forest. Presidential Pets A chart listing presidential pets. Animal Names: Male, Female, Young A chart of animal names: male, female, and young. Birds Basics of Bird-Watching Read how to go birding with your class. Birds as Symbols and Omens A brief article, including pictures, about eight birds, from every part of the world, that are considered symbols or omens. Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs? Read about theories on the evolution of birds. How the Turkey Got Its Name This article speculates on how the Turkey was named. This reference will spark a fun discussion around the Thanksgiving holiday. Presidential Pardon of the Turkey Did you know that every year the President of the United States pardons a turkey? Turkey Facts Amazing facts about turkeys. Dinosaurs Tyrannosaurus Sue Read all about Tyrannosaurus Sue, a 65 million-year-old dinosaur. Dinosaur Facts Find answers to your dino questions, for example, are all fossils dinosaurs, what was the biggest dinosaur, what was the smallest, how fast could dinosaurs run? This is a great resource for International Dinosaur Month (October). Dinosaur News Read about recent discoveries concerning dinosaurs. 75-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Voice Heard Again Read about the re-creation of the sound that a Parasaurolophus dinosaur made. More Dinosaur Resources for Teachers Related Resources Animals – Teacher Resources Educate students about animal behavior, biology, and habitats with our resources for grades K-12. Learn how to classify animals with lessons and printables on vertebrates and insects. Animal Adaptations Resources Teach students about the specific ways animals adapt to their environment. Use these science lessons, printables, activities, and projects to introduce students to the study of ecological adaptation.