Animals have features that allow them to fit perfectly into their little corner of the world. Close observation allows us to understand how animals have become adapted to their environment. In this activity, we delve into the Natural History Museum collections to examine arthropods to understand how these animals work, what makes them so special, and why they are one of the most successful groups on Earth.
This activity unlocks the study of arthropods in three key ways:
- Comparing and contrasting: study a range of arthropod species and explore the similarities and differences between them.
- Careful observation: Observe the different features that relate to adaptation to different environments and ways of life.
- Creative documentation of these animals through pencil illustration. Draw what you see, concentrating on unique and interesting features of each animal and thinking about how each feature can enhance survival and reproduction.