Structures for Survival
Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behaviour, and reproduction
What a learner can do afterwards
- Give examples of external structures and their survival functions (e.g. thorns for protection, claws for catching prey)
- Give examples of internal structures and their functions (e.g. heart pumps blood, lungs take in air)
- Construct a reasoned argument linking a specific structure to how it helps the organism survive or reproduce
The lesson
Every plant and animal has structures, or parts, that help it survive. Some structures are external, which means you can see them on the outside. Others are internal, hidden inside the body.
A cactus has a thick, waxy stem. In the desert, rain is rare, so the cactus stores water inside its stem for weeks or months. The thick stem is a structure, and storing water is its function.
Internal structures work too, even though you cannot see them. A heart pumps blood to carry oxygen around the body. Lungs take in air so the body gets the oxygen it needs.
A porcupine is covered in sharp quills. If a predator comes too close, the quills poke it. This external structure protects the porcupine and helps it survive.
When you explain a structure, always name the function too. Say what the part is, then say what job it does. That is how you build a strong argument.
Every survival structure, external or internal, has a job that helps the plant or animal live, grow, or reproduce.
Watch it
Where it sits
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.