Edmonton Science Fun Guide by Bare Bones Publishing (1997), pg. 63
§ 5 fingers
§ Have the students look at pictures of a variety of animals’ feet. Use some examples of plantigrade, digitigrade, even-toed ungulate and odd-toed ungulate.
§ Have the students hold their hands in the positions of the above pictures and imagine how the different animals walk or run.
|
Plantigrade |
Digitigrade |
Even-Toed Ungulate |
Odd-Toed Ungulate |
|
Put your hands flat on the table |
Put four fingers down but lift up the heel of your hand |
Put two middle fingers down and pull other fingers behind. Don’t let them touch the table. |
Squeeze all four fingers together with just the tallest finger touching the table. |
§ Ask them some questions:
o Are there any differences?
o Can you think of any advantages one foot has over another?
o How do these types of feet help the animal survive (e.g. food, speed etc.)?
o How an animal stands on its feet is an indication of an adaptation to the way it lives. Think about how each animal lives to understand why the foot is the shape it is.