Adaptation Observation Worksheet

Adaptation Observation

Field Research Log / Grade 4

Explorer Name

Part 1: Anatomy of a Hiker

Field Word Bank

Thick Wool Coat Soft Padded Feet 3-Chambered Stomach High-Oxygen Blood

Label the boxes and draw a line to the correct red dot on the llama.

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Part 2: Field Analysis

1. How does the llama's coat help it survive a winter night in the Andes?

2. Why would a llama have a hard time with horse hooves instead of padded feet?

The Oxygen Challenge

Explain why a human might get out of breath at the top of a mountain, while a llama can keep walking easily.

Part 3: Sketching the Andes

Draw a llama in its mountain habitat. Label one physical adaptation!

Sketch findings here

Mountain Marvels Answer Key

Answer Key

Field Research Log: High Altitude Hikers

Teacher Resource

Part 1: Labeling Key

• Head/Breathing: High-Oxygen Blood

• Back/Coat: Thick Wool Coat

• Middle/Stomach: 3-Chambered Stomach

• Bottom/Feet: Soft Padded Feet

Part 2: Analysis Key

1. How does the llama's coat help it survive a winter night in the Andes?

Expectations: Students should mention the thickness of the wool and its role in insulation (keeping heat in) and protection from freezing winds or snow.

2. Why would a llama have a hard time if it had horse hooves instead of padded feet?

Expectations: Students should explain that hard hooves slip on mountain rocks. Padded feet act like "grips" or "mountain-climbing shoes" to provide traction on steep, rocky ground.

3. The Oxygen Challenge

Expectations: Students should mention that the air is "thin" or has less oxygen at high altitudes. Humans get out of breath because our blood isn't as efficient at grabbing oxygen, but llamas have specialized blood (more red blood cells) to catch oxygen more easily.

Grading Guide

• Labeling (4 pts): 1 point for each correctly placed term from the word bank.
• Analysis (6 pts): 2 points per question. Focus on the connection between the physical trait and the mountain challenge (cold, oxygen, or terrain).
• Drawing: Completion-based. Bonus if they correctly labeled a trait they learned.