- View more resources from this publisher
Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB)
Tooltip
These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.
Moths, Adaptations and Predators
In order to avoid predators, the caterpillars of some species of moths rest during the day by masquerading as twigs, well-camouflaged and keeping their bodies rigid and still. The aim of the investigation is to determine if caterpillars of the peppered moth show a preferred angle of rest. Students look at a series of images of larvae and measure the angle of rest of each one. They then assess, using calculations and graphs, and perhaps a statistical test, whether larvae do show a preferred angle of rest. This may also be carried out as a field study. This is a useful investigation for illustrating aspects of scientific enquiry and a number of questions are suggested. Curriculum links include stimulus and response, innate and learned behaviour and their influences on survival, natural selection, anti-predator strategies. This resource was provided by the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB).
Show health and safety information
Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.
Downloads
Show downloads
Download all files as a .zip5.12 MB
Information on the permitted use of this resource is covered by the Category Three Content section in STEM Learning’s Terms and conditions.
