Pet a dog and it feels soft. A bird feels fluffy. A snake feels smooth and dry. A frog feels cool and damp. An animal's covering is another clue to what kind of animal it is.
Key idea
Mammals have hair or fur. Birds have feathers. Fish and reptiles have scales. Amphibians have smooth, moist skin.
Why it works
A covering protects an animal. Fur and feathers keep it warm. A reptile's dry scales keep its body from drying out in the sun. A frog's thin, moist skin even helps it breathe, but it dries out easily, so frogs stay near water.
Worked example: Let's think it through
Is a snake slimy?
- A snake is a reptile.
- Reptiles are covered with dry scales.
- A snake may look shiny, but it feels dry and smooth.
Answer: No. A snake has dry scales.
Common mistake
Many children think snakes are slimy. It is frogs, toads and salamanders, the amphibians, that have moist skin. Snakes and lizards are dry and scaly.
For the grown-up. At a nature center or a pet store, many children can gently touch a snake while a keeper holds it. The surprise that it feels dry makes the idea stick. Leave wild snakes alone.