Basic 2 · Science · Living and Non-Living Things
Parts of an Animal
In this topic you will learn the basic parts of an animal body: head, trunk and limbs.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Name the head, trunk and limbs of an animal
- Point to the parts on different animals
- Compare body parts of different animals
What you already know
- Animals around us (Basic 1)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Diversity of Matter
- Sub-strand
- Living and Non-Living Things
- Indicator
- B2.1.1.2.1 – Describe the basic structure of animals (head, limbs and trunk)
Introduction
A goat, a hen and a person look different. But they all have a head, a trunk (body) and limbs.
1. Main Body Parts
| Part | What it is | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| head | the top or front part | eyes, ears, mouth are on it |
| trunk | the main body | holds the heart and stomach |
| limbs | arms, legs, wings | used to move |
2. Different Limbs
| Animal | Limbs | How it moves |
|---|---|---|
| goat | 4 legs | walks and runs |
| hen | 2 legs and 2 wings | walks and flaps |
| fish | fins | swims |
| person | 2 arms and 2 legs | walks and holds things |
Remember: A snake has no limbs. It moves by sliding its body.
New words
- head
- The part with the eyes, ears and mouth.
- trunk
- The main part of the body.
- limbs
- Arms, legs or wings.
- fin
- A flat part a fish uses to swim.
Summary
- Animals have a head, a trunk and limbs.
- Limbs help animals move.
- Different animals have different limbs.
Class activity: Model an Animal
- Look at photographs of local animals.
- Mould an animal with clay or draw it.
- Show its head, trunk and limbs to the class.
You need: Printed photographs of local animals, Feathers, Snail shells
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which part has the eyes and mouth?
- A. Head
- B. Trunk
- C. Legs
- D. Tail
Show answer
Answer: HeadEyes and mouth are on the head.2. How many legs does a goat have?
- A. 4
- B. 2
- C. 6
- D. 8
Show answer
Answer: 4Goats walk on four legs.3. Wings are limbs.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueBirds use wings to move.4. A fish moves with legs.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseA fish uses fins.5. The main part of the body is the ______.
Show answer
Answer: trunkThe trunk holds the organs.6. Name the three main body parts of an animal.
Show answer
Answer: Head, trunk and limbs.These are the main parts.
Homework
- Draw a pet or farm animal and label its head, trunk and limbs.