Structures for Survival
- Biology
- Ages 8–11 · Grades 3–5
What you’ll find out
- Plants have structures for support, water transport, making food, reproduction and protection.
- Animals have internal structures such as the skeleton, heart, lungs or gills, and stomach.
- Each structure has a job that helps the living thing survive.
No sign-up and no real names. In the lesson you check your understanding as you read, and practise until it sticks.
How plant structures help
Every plant has structures, or parts, that help it survive, grow and make new plants. Roots hold the plant firmly in the ground and soak up water. The stem holds the plant upright and carries water up to the leaves, where sunlight is used to make food. Flowers make seeds so new plants can grow. Some plants also have sharp thorns or spines that stop hungry animals from eating them.
Structures inside animals
Animals also have important structures inside their bodies. A skeleton of bones supports the body and protects soft parts: the skull guards the brain, and the ribs guard the heart and lungs. The heart pumps blood all around the body. Lungs take in the oxygen that animals need, although fish use gills to take oxygen from water. The stomach breaks down food, giving the body energy.
Curriculum links: NGSS 4-LS1-1 · England KS2: Animals, including humans · Cambridge Primary Stages 4–6: Biology · NCERT Environmental Studies, Classes 3–5