Clever Tricks Rainforest Animals Use to Survive

Science · Rainforests · ages 7-9

Name ______________________ Date ____________

Which rainforest animal uses bright colours to warn predators that it is poisonous?
- Toucan
- Poison dart frog
- Howler monkey
What is it called when an animal's colours or shape help it blend into its surroundings?
- Camouflage
- Migration
- Photosynthesis
A monkey's prehensile tail can grip a branch almost like an extra hand.
Circle one: True False
A toucan has a huge beak. How does this beak help it survive in the canopy?
- It reaches fruit hanging on thin, far branches
- It digs burrows in the forest floor
- It warns other birds that it is dangerous
Why does a leaf insect's camouflage help it survive?
- It makes the insect grow faster
- It helps the insect fly higher
- It hides the insect from predators looking for food
Why are many rainforest animals nocturnal, meaning awake at night?
- To find more water in the trees
- To avoid the heat of the day
- To grow bigger beaks
A spider monkey grips branches with its tail high in the canopy, while a poison dart frog stays low on the forest floor. What does this tell you?
- Different layers have animals with adaptations suited to that layer
- Only canopy animals need adaptations to survive
- All rainforest animals use the exact same adaptation
Mia says, 'Bright colours always mean an animal is trying to hide.' What is wrong with her idea?
- Bright colours are only found on flowers
- Only nocturnal animals have bright colours
- Bright colours can be a warning, not hiding, like on a poison dart frog

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Poison dart frog · The poison dart frog's bright skin is a warning sign that tells predators to stay away.
Camouflage · Camouflage means the animal's colours or shape match its surroundings, so it is hard to spot.
True · A prehensile tail wraps around a branch, working almost like a fifth limb.
It reaches fruit hanging on thin, far branches · A long beak lets the toucan grab fruit without its whole body having to balance on a thin, wobbly branch.
It hides the insect from predators looking for food · If a predator cannot see the leaf insect, it cannot catch it, so blending in keeps the insect alive.
To avoid the heat of the day · The rainforest gets very hot during the day, so resting then and moving at night saves energy and avoids the heat.
Different layers have animals with adaptations suited to that layer · Each layer of the rainforest brings different challenges, so the animals living there have different adaptations suited to that layer.
Bright colours can be a warning, not hiding, like on a poison dart frog · Bright colours are not always for hiding. On a poison dart frog, they warn predators the frog is dangerous to eat.