Science Insects & Minibeasts Conceptual 9–11 yrs

Insect Adaptations

昆虫的适应性

Description

Adaptation and evolution in insects: peppered moths as a famous example of natural selection (dark moths survived better on soot-covered trees during the Industrial Revolution). Stick insects evolved to look like twigs. Ant-mimicking spiders evolved to fool predators. How small changes over many generations lead to remarkable disguises.

Mastery Evidence

✓ Retell the peppered moth story and explain how the environment changed which colour moth survived best
✓ Describe how a stick insect's body shape is an adaptation that helps it avoid being eaten
✓ Explain that adaptations develop over many generations through natural selection, not during one insect's lifetime

Assessment Prompt

Can your child explain why peppered moths changed colour during the Industrial Revolution — and how that's an example of how living things adapt over many generations?