Unit 4 Week 3

Weekly Concept Adaptations Essential Question How do animals adapt to challenges in their habitat?

Adapt to Challenges This ermine's fur is brown and white in the summer. It turns white in the winter and blends in with the snowy ground. This adaptation helps ermines escape its predators. Ermines are also fast runnersand good climbers. They have an excellent sense of smell. Adaptations help ermines survive. Talk About lt Write words you have learned about adaptation. Talk with a partner about ways animals have adapted.

Vocabulary Use the picture and the sentence to talk with a partner about each word.

Your Turn Pick three words. Then write three questions for your partner to answer.

Genre. Expository GRAY WOLF! RED FOX! Essential Question How do animals adapt to challenges in their habitat? Read how gray wolves and red foxes adapt to challenges.

Did you ever see a photograph of a gray wolf or a red fox? Don't they look a lot like dogs? Aren't they fantastic-looking animals? Well, dogs, foxes, and wolves are all related. They are all members of the same family. And while gray wolves and red foxes may look alike, they are different in many ways. LOOKS ARe EVERYTHING The gray wolf is the largest member, or a part, of the wild dog family. An adult wolf is the size of a large dog. The red fox is smaller and weighs less. Both animals have excellent hearing. The red fox can even hear small animals digging holes underground. And just take a look at those beautiful tails! The gray wolf and red fox both have long, bushy tails. The wolf's tail can be two feet long. The fox's tail is not as long but has a bright, white tip. In the winter, foxes use their thick, furry tails as protection from the cold. The gray wolf and red fox are both mammals.