Predator Hunting Strategies

CONCEPTUAL

Science›Animals of the World|Ages 7—9|ID: mt_Bztatrv-_v

Understand that predators have evolved hunting strategies — wolves hunt in packs, chameleons use their long tongues, spiders build webs, crocodiles ambush at water's edge — and prey animals have evolved defences — porcupine spines, skunk spray, poison dart frog toxins, zebra stripes confusing predators, playing dead

Mastery Evidence

Describes at least 3 predator hunting strategies with examples
Describes at least 3 prey defence mechanisms with examples
Understands the concept of an 'arms race' between predators and prey

Assessment Prompt

“If [child] watches a nature programme showing a lion hunting, can they describe at least two different ways predators catch food and two ways prey animals defend themselves?”

Prerequisites4

Herbivores, Carnivores & Omnivores
softAges 5—6
Animal Camouflage
hardAges 5—7
Nocturnal Animals
softAges 5—7
Savanna & Grassland Animals
softAges 7—9

Show full prerequisite tree

Herbivores, Carnivores & Omnivores soft
Predator-prey strategies build on curriculum classification of carnivores/herbivores/omnivores
- Naming Common Animals hard
  Must identify animal groups before classifying by diet
Animal Camouflage hard
Predator-prey builds on camouflage as a defence strategy
- Animals Everywhere hard
  Camouflage builds on awareness that animals live in different environments
- Nocturnal Animals soft
  Camouflage and nocturnal behaviour are related survival strategies
  - Animal Homes soft
    Nocturnal animals often use homes (burrows, dens) as daytime shelters
    - Animals Everywhere hard
      Animal homes builds on knowing animals live everywhere
  - Animals Everywhere hard
    Nocturnal animals builds on knowing animals exist in diverse environments
Nocturnal Animals soft
Nocturnal hunting connects to predator strategies
- Animal Homes soft
  Nocturnal animals often use homes (burrows, dens) as daytime shelters
  - Animals Everywhere hard
    Animal homes builds on knowing animals live everywhere
- Animals Everywhere hard
  Nocturnal animals builds on knowing animals exist in diverse environments
Savanna & Grassland Animals soft
Savanna predator-prey (lions/zebras) is foundation for predator-prey strategies
- Wild, Farm & Pet Animals soft
  Savanna animals contrasts with farm/pet animals from earlier
  - Animals Everywhere hard
    Wild/farm/pet distinction builds on knowing animals exist everywhere
  - Naming Common Animals soft
    Wild/farm/pet distinction enriched by curriculum animal group identification
- Animals Everywhere hard
  Savanna animals builds on knowing animals live in diverse environments

Unlocks4

Structural Adaptations
hardAges 9—11
Animal Intelligence
softAges 9—11
The Red Queen Hypothesis
hardAges 11—12
Biodiversity
softAges 9—11