Animals Classification
Primary 4 · Science and Elementary Technology
Animals Classification
Lesson 3 of 5
12 min
Let's begin
At break, Habimana runs after the football. Above the field a kite glides in circles. At the edge of the grass a snake slides quickly away, and a grasshopper jumps out of its path.
Four animals, four different ways of moving! Scientists also group animals by how they move.
| Way of moving | Body parts used | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Walking and running | legs | cow, goat, dog, people |
| Hopping and jumping | strong back legs | rabbit, frog, grasshopper |
| Flying | wings | birds, bats, bees, butterflies |
| Swimming | fins and tail, or webbed feet | fish, ducks, frogs |
| Crawling | many short legs, or a soft body that stretches | caterpillar, millipede, earthworm |
| Slithering | no legs: strong muscles and belly scales | snake |
| Climbing | gripping hands, feet or tail | monkey, chameleon |
The way an animal moves helps it find food and escape danger. The rabbit's strong back legs help it hop away from a dog. A fish's smooth body and fins help it slip through the water.
Tip
Look at the body parts to guess the movement: legs → walk, run or hop; wings → fly; fins → swim; no legs → slither or crawl.
Try each one first, then tap Show answer to check.
Name a mammal that can fly.
Answer: A bat.
Which body parts help a fish to swim?
Answer: Its fins and tail.
How does a snake move without legs?
Answer: It slithers, pushing against the ground with its strong muscles and belly scales.
Name an animal that can move in three different ways, and say what they are.
Answer: A duck: it walks, swims and flies. (Other good answers: a person walks, runs and swims.)
What you learned today
Sources and credits
Written by Ganzaa, including the exercises (Try it yourself and the practice questions).
Quick check
A bat can fly. Which group is it in?
