Mountain Masters Field Journal
Andes Expedition Log
Mountain Masters Field Journal
Subject: Llama Biology Target: 4th Grade
Explorer Name:
Expedition Date:
Part 1: The Mountain Environment
The Andes Mountains present extreme survival challenges. List the two major physical obstacles that animals living above 13,000 feet face daily, and explain why they make life difficult.
1. Challenge One: Thin Air (Low Oxygen)
How does this thin air affect normal animals or humans? Explain in your own words.
2. Challenge Two: Extreme Weather and Temperature Swings
What must a llama protect itself from during day versus night?
Part 2: Built-in Climbing Shoes
Llamas are famous for their gentle steps. Contrast the physical structure of a llama's foot with a horse's hoof using the boxes below.
🦙 Llama Foot Features
- Soft leathery pads that grip
- Two sharp, active toenails
- Lightweight, flexible bones
🐴 Horse Hoof Features
- Single solid block of hard hoof
- Heavy and rigid structure
- Packs soil down tightly
Journal Prompt:
Why is the llama's soft-pad foot adaptation considered "eco-friendly" to mountain plant life?
Unit: High-Altitude Adaptation Page 1 of 2
Andes Expedition Log
Mountain Masters Field Journal
Subject: Llama Biology Target: 4th Grade
Part 3: Super Blood Adaptations
A llama's blood is unique. Draw how human red blood cells look compared to llama red blood cells in the microscopes below. Describe how this difference helps llamas breathe.
Human Blood Cells (Round)
Sketch Here
Llama Blood Cells (Oval)
Sketch Here
Explain why the unique oval shape allows llamas to survive at 13,000 feet:
Part 4: Adaptation Survival Check
Read each statement carefully. Circle TRUE or FALSE based on what you learned in our Expedition Presentation.
1. Llamas spit partially digested food to settle social arguments and scare pumas.
TRUE FALSE
2. Unlike sheep, a llama's coat does not contain oily lanolin, making it lightweight.
TRUE FALSE
3. Llamas have a 4-chambered stomach, exactly like dairy cows.
TRUE FALSE
Expedition Level: Master Researcher Page 2 of 2
