Modes of getting food in What do animals eat – Class 6 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: What do animals eat

Activity Name: Modes of getting food in What do animals eat

Activity Description:

The experiment aims to observe different animals and understand how they obtain their food. Specifically, we will observe a lizard on the wall, a spider in a web, a hen in the garden, and a butterfly on a flower.

By observing these animals daily for at least a week, we can document their feeding behaviors and share our observations in a notebook display or on a wall magazine.

Required Items:

• Notebook
• Pen or pencil
• Wall magazine (optional)

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Select a suitable location for observing the animals. It should provide a clear view of the lizard, spider, hen, and butterfly.
2. Begin the observation period and allocate at least 15-30 minutes each day for observing the animals.
3. Observe the lizard on the wall:
   • Note down what the lizard eats. Does it catch insects or feed on plants?
   • Observe its hunting techniques and any specific behaviors related to food acquisition.
4. Observe the spider in a web:
   • Note down the type of prey the spider captures in its web.
   • Pay attention to the spider’s web-building process and how it captures its food.
5. Observe the hen in the garden:
   • Note down what the hen eats. Does it forage for insects, seeds, or other food items?
   • Observe its feeding habits, such as scratching the ground or pecking at objects.
6. Observe the butterfly on a flower:
   • Note down if the butterfly feeds on the flower’s nectar or other food sources.
   • Observe the butterfly’s flight patterns and feeding behaviors.
7. Repeat the observation process daily for at least a week, making sure to note any changes or new observations.
8. Compile your observations in a notebook display or create a wall magazine to showcase your findings.

Experiment Observations:

1. Lizard on the wall:
   • The lizard feeds on small insects like flies and mosquitoes.
   • It waits patiently and swiftly catches its prey with its tongue.
   • The lizard is most active during the daytime.
2. Spider in a Web:
   • The spider catches various insects, such as flies, moths, and beetles, in its web.
   • It rebuilds damaged parts of its web to ensure effective trapping.
   • The spider usually rests in a hidden corner near the web.
3. Hen in the garden:
   • The hen pecks at the ground, searching for worms, insects, and seeds.
   • It consumes small pebbles or grit to aid digestion.
   • The hen also enjoys foraging for green leaves and grass.
4. Butterfly on a flower:
   • The butterfly drinks nectar from flowers using its long proboscis.
   • It hovers around the flowers, sipping nectar with its specialized mouthpart.
   • The butterfly prefers brightly colored flowers.

Precautions:

1. Do not disturb or interfere with the animals during the observation period.
2. Maintain a safe distance to ensure the animals’ natural behavior is not affected.
3. Ensure you have permission to access the areas where the animals are observed.
4. If handling any living creatures, follow appropriate safety guidelines and regulations.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

Through this experiment, we can learn about the different ways animals obtain their food. By observing the lizard, spider, hen, and butterfly, we discovered various feeding techniques and behaviors.

Some animals rely on hunting and capturing prey, while others forage for food in their environment. Understanding the different modes of getting food helps us appreciate the diversity of animal adaptations and their interactions with their surroundings.