WEB OF LIFE (Adapted from Project Learning Tree) Water is a basic need of all living things. Students should already be familiar with the concept of energy and habitat and that animals need food, water, shelter, and space to survive.

Objective Students will research Texas organisms and create an interactive food web to demonstrate the concepts of basic needs, interdependence, energy flow, and producer/consumer relationships within an ecosystem.

Materials NOT PROVIDED Yarn Index cards or quartered paper Tape Critter of Texas Pocket Guide or field guide

Procedure Be ready to write on the chalkboard/dry erase board while your class is brainstorming ideas.

 Have the class brainstorm a list of native Texas animals that live in water. o Explain that these creatures need water not only to drink but also for shelter because it is where they actually live. (Ex: any species of fish, whale, dolphin, alligator, beavers, salamanders, turtles, etc.)

 Have the class brainstorm a separate list of native Texas animals that rely on a water source in order to catch food. o Explain that these animals need water to drink but they also rely on water as a hunting ground. (Ex: ducks, eagles, raccoons) They may list some animals from the first list.

 Lastly, have the class brainstorm a list of native Texas animals that need water to drink. o This should include just about every possible animal!

 Ask the students what they think about native plants. o Into which list or lists would plants fit? Are there plants that live in the water? Is there any type of plant that does not need water?

 What about insects?

 Next, ask them about humans. o Under which list or lists do we fit? Do we rely on water as a hunting ground? Do we need water to drink? For what else do we need water?

 Add several plants and insects, as well as humans to your list(s).

Using the lists on the board:  Write the names of individual organisms on separate index cards, in writing large enough to read from 10 feet away. Be sure to include several plant and insect organisms.

 Assign and provide one card to each student. Students will research the organism assigned to them. Provide students with Critters of Texas Pocket Guides, field guides, encyclopedias and/or computer access to complete their research. o Students will research what their organism eats, where it lives, and its’ predators. Instruct students to write their research findings on the back of their index card. o For fun and if time permits, have the students draw their organism on the front of the index card.

Becoming the “Web of Life”  Tape students’ cards onto their shirt as a nametag, so other students are able to see the organism they are representing.

 Make yourself two nametags, one that says “SUN” and another that says “BACTERIA.”

Instruct the students that you will be creating a living web of life using a ball of yarn.

 Ask your students about the term energy. Where does energy come from? What is the main source of energy? (THE SUN!)

 Then, ask your students about the last component on the energy food chain, bacteria. What does bacteria have to do with energy? How does bacteria obtain energy?

You, the sun and bacteria, will be in the center of the “Web of Life” circle.

 Have the students create a big circle, standing shoulder to shoulder, facing the middle. Tell them that they will be throwing the ball of yarn to someone who uses them or they use as energy.

 Holding the end of the yarn, you (the sun) throw the ball to a student who is wearing a plant nametag.

 The plant student holds onto a section of the yarn and throws the ball to a student who is wearing the name of an animal that eats plants. Continue to connect the organisms with the yarn.

 Continue until everyone is holding string and the entire class is connected by a large web. o You may be stuck with larger predators not being included in the web. In those situations, have them throw you the ball since you also represent bacteria that use the energy of dead and decaying animals. You may be holding several pieces of string!

 Tell everyone to take one step back. Ask the class if everyone can feel the tug. Tell them that they can because everyone is interconnected.

Tell the students that it has not rained in your little ecosystem in a very long time and that this drought is starting to take its toll on the organisms. Ask them which organisms will be the first to die.

 Have all the plant students drop their strings. Ask who all felt their string loosen. Again, this is because they are interconnected.

Ask which groups will feel the effect next.  Have the insects and herbivores drop their strings.

Ask which group will be next.  Have the omnivores and carnivores drop their strings.

The only one left should be you - the sun and bacteria.

Discussion Ask students to explain what happened to your ecosystem.

Explain to them how important water is to all living things and the devastating effects of water shortages.

What other factors, both external and internal, could affect a food web?

Extension Recreate the Web of Life using animals of a specific ecosystem such as a riparian area or desert.

Barn Swallow American Kestrel American Kestrel

American Coot Bald Eagle

Texas Toad American Robin American Kestrel American Coot Texas Toad

Has dark spots on the back of its neck They live in wetlands This animal has poisonous glands behind which are sometimes called false eyes, it's eyes that secrete a poison that irritates fooling predators that it has already seen it. Their food is aquatic plants, grass, insects, the throat glands of any animal trying to small fish and tadpoles. eat it. Can hover is place while hunting and can fly at speeds of 39 mph. Its cup-shaped nest floats hidden among Camouflaged coloration of grayish-brown cattails. allows it to escape from predators like Its keen eyesight allows it to see a birds and fish. grasshopper 100' away. Feeds on insects, It avoids predators by running across the rodents, birds and snakes. water. An insectivore that loves earthworms.

Smallest falcon in North America and is It feeds throughout the day, diving for This animal spends part of its life in the often seen perching on wires, fence posts, aquatic plants and skimming the surface water and part on land. dead branches and utility poles near open for insects. It is commonly referred to as a spaces. mudhen. Its young are called tadpoles and Texas is found in it's name. Has a rust colored back and tail and white chest, cheek and chin patches. Males have

Barn Swallow Bald Eagle American Robin

This animal finds a mate and sticks with it Lives in forested areas near rivers and Allows ants to crawl all over its body, for life. lakes. called anting, to rid itself of lice and other parasites. Flies through the air and skims over ponds It has no natural predators. and field to catch insects in its mouth. Found throughout Texas in mountains, Its food consists of fish, waterfowl, birds wooded areas and riparian areas. A migratory species that spends its and carrion. summers in Texas. Build nests out of mud, grass and twigs. It catches its prey with its razor-sharp Lays a clutch of 3-5 pale blue eggs twice a This animal is a dark steel blue color with talons by swooping down at speeds of 50 year. a brownish underbelly and a forked tail. mph. Cock their heads side to side to hunt for Nests are made of mud and group in It was chosen as our nation's symbol in worms and insects because their eyes are colonies under bridges, in barns or sheds. 1782, narrowly beating out the Wild placed far back on the sides of their heads. Turkey. Males have slate-gray backs, rusty red crests and white speckled throats. Females are gray-brown with pale orange chests. Barred Owl Black-capped Canada Goose Vireo

TPWD Greater Roadrunner Golden-cheeked Warbler Great Blue Heron

TPWD TPWD Canada Goose Black-capped Vireo Barred Owl

They live in lakes, ponds, marshes and Sometimes the female ends up raising Its right ear is higher than its left ear help- rivers. babies that aren't hers which has led to ing it to pinpoint its prey by sounds alone. endangered status. They migrate in V-shaped flocks, Nests February to April in tree hollows or sometimes flying as far as 4,000 miles. An omnivore that loves insects and plants. other abandoned tree nests. Lays an aver- age clutch of 2-4 eggs once per year. Their food consists of aquatic plants, I migrate to Mexico each year. insects, grass seeds and crops. Feeds on mice, squirrels, rabbits, birds, It builds small compact nests in trees. frogs, fish and crayfish. Pairs mate for life. It's small with a black cap and a yellow Regurgitates pellets containing the indi- It is nicknamed "honker" because of the body. gestible parts of its prey, including bones, distinct honking sound it makes. feathers and hair.

Has a white and brown barred collar and a brown streaked underside.

Greater Roadrunner Great Blue Heron Golden-cheeked Warbler

A member of the cuckoo family, and is also called the chaparral cock. Has four toed-feet to help distribute their weight in the same manner as snowshoes, This animal only breeds in Texas. It obtains much of the water it needs from its preventing them from sinking into the food; in addition, it reabsorbs water from its mud. It is endangered due to nest parasitism. feces before excretion and has glands located near its eyes that excretes excess salt. It is an insectivore. Eats frogs, snails, crayfish, fish, mice and Has strong legs and special toes that allow it to insects. Males and females will regurgitate run at 15-18 mph. Two toes on each foot face their food into the mouth of their young. The sexes are dimorphic, meaning they forward, and two toes face backward, giving it don't look alike. The female is a dull olive an X-shaped track. Lives throughout Texas and is often seen green while the male has bright yellow cheeks. Sometimes forms pairs to hunt rattlesnakes. standing still along the water's edge, Also feeds on insects, snakes, carrion, lizards, hunting for food. bird eggs, small mammals, scorpions and small It has a high pitched call you might refer birds. Has a blue gray back with lighter to as a warble. undersides and a white head with a black Is heavily streaked with dark brown and white. Has a shaggy crest, oversized bill and dark crest. head with a blue featherless area around its bright yellow eye. This 'Great' animal is the largest of its species. Often miscalled a crane. Northern Bobwhite Red-tailed Red-tailed Hawk Northern Mockingbird Mourning Dove

Mallard Northern Cardinal Northern Bobwhite Mourning Dove Mallard Feeds with its tail straight up in the air or by skimming the water just below the Males and females build ground nests in It is able to reach flight speeds of 60 mph. surface. tall grass. Huge flocks gather in farm fields to feed Has a lamellate bill, which means that it They are found throughout eastern Texas on seeds and fallen grain. has tooth-like edges that act much like a strainer, allowing it to hold a piece of food They eat weed and pine seeds, acorns, The regurgitated liquid it provides its while the water drains through. berries, grain and insects. young is more nutritious than cow's milk. Lays an average clutch of 6-15 eggs only They roost in a group called a covey, and Predators include the hawk, owl and once per year. will form a circle on the ground with their domestic cat. The squirrel and Greater Most abundant and widespread of all bodies touching and their heads facing out. Roadrunner prey on eggs and nestlings. waterfowl species and can be found almost This keeps them warm and allows them to anywhere in the world. watch for predators. It is named for its sad-sounding coo. The male is gray with a distinct green The body is 8-10" long with a 13" head, thin white collar, rust colored chest, wingspan. yellow bill and orange legs. The female is drab, mottled brown with a dull orange bill.

Red-tailed Hawk Northern Mockingbird Northern Cardinal

Found commonly perched in urban areas Very territorial and will even attack its own It eats insects, seeds, fruit and berries. reflection, sometimes injuring or killing itself. throughout Texas on top of telephone poles or fence posts. Early settlers nicknamed it American They are seen in parks, backyards, brushy Nightingale since it sings complex songs all day fields and wooded valleys. Regurgitates pellets of indigestible parts of and into night. The males uses songs to prey. establish and defend breeding territory and to From April to August, during courtship, attract a mate. males can be seen feeding females, Its eyesight is many times greater than especially at feeders. humans and it can see a small mouse or rat Feeds on insects, fruits and berries and is found from hundreds of feet in the air. throughout Texas in farmlands, mesquite They are very territorial and have been chaparrals and deserts, even suburban areas. known to attack their reflection in This is a powerful raptor or 'bird of prey'. Its genus name, Mimus, is Latin for mimic, windows. which describes its ability to imitate other birds Named for the bright reddish tail feathers. and even other sounds including frogs and It's named after the red-robed members of engines. the Roman Catholic Church.

The state bird of Texas. Ruby-throated Sandhill Crane Scaled Quail Hummingbird

Turkey Vulture Wood Duck Wild Turkey Scaled Quail Sandhill Crane Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Feeds on seeds, insects, fruits, grains and Lives in wetland areas usually near open Builds a cup-shaped nest about the size of buds. fields. a walnut shell from plant material and spi- der silk. Forages for food on the ground, scratching They are omnivorous ground feeders that and digging with its long toes and claws. eat insects, small mammals, amphibians, Eggs are the size of a pea. An average reptiles, bulbs, seeds and waste grain. clutch is two eggs and only 1-2 broods per Prefers to run from danger, so when year. flushed, it will fly only a short distance Can travel up to 300 miles a day during its before landing and running for cover. migration and winters in western and Feeds on flower nectar, tree sap, small southern Texas. insects and spiders. Usually lives in a group called coveys, which are made up of 17-20 birds each. In the spring, males and females perform Can fly at speeds of more than 60 mph and Coveys are often larger during the winter. an elaborate courtship display that involves even fly backwards. singing, bowing, skipping and leaping as Named because it seems to have scales, high as 15-20' into the air. Its name comes from the humming sound which is caused by black edges on gray created by the rapid beating of its tiny feathers. In March and May male and female return wings that move at 50-75 beats per second. to the same nesting site each spring. Males have a bright red throat patch.

Wood Duck Wild Turkey Turkey Vulture

They migrate in early fall to southern Has a beard that's not made out of hair. This animal has a very good sense of states. smell. An omnivore that loves insects and plants. They eat insects, acorns, hickory nuts, At night, it joins the group to roost. seeds of aquatic plants, grains and fruit. The males like to strut their stuff by show- ing off their big beautiful fan. This animal can fly for hours without stop- They nest in abandoned woodpecker holes ping, usually taking advantage of wind or artificial nesting boxes 20-50' above Can fly but not for very long distances. patterns ground and adults often return to the same nesting site each year. The adult males are known as toms or gob- It has a red head and black body. blers. Population numbers declined drastically in You can often see this animal feeding on the early 1900s due to wetland drainage carrion (remains of dead animals) on the and unregulated logging and hunting. side of the road.

The young jump from the nest within 24 hours of hatching, can feed themselves immediately and are able to fly at 8-9 Mexican Free-tailed Bat Eastern Cottontail

Bobcat Badger

Nine-banded Armadillo American Beaver Mexican Free-tailed Bat Badger Nine-banded Armadillo

This animal produces young that are This animal can dig at a faster rate than a To cross a stream or creek, it can hold its approximately one quarter (1/4) the person can dig with a shovel. breath for 6 minutes and walk across the mother's weight. bottom. It spends most of it's time underground. This animal migrates 800-100 miles each Primarily an insectivore, but will also eat year. This animal preys primarily on ground small reptiles and carrion. dwelling animals, but will eat carrion. This animal can eat one third (1/3) of it's There is 1 litter per year and the young are weight in insects a night. It has short powerful legs with 2" long identical quadruplets, either all males or all claws. females. They use echolocation to hunt and sense their surroundings. It is grey overall, with a black and white The official Small Mammal of Texas. striped head. It is a small mammal with wings and a free Nine bands cover its body. tail.

Eastern Cottontail Bobcat American Beaver

Its young, also known as kittens, are This animal is only found in North This animal can hold its breath for 15 altricial, which means they are born blind America. minutes. and helpless. It can leap 7-10 feet in a single bound. It is an herbivore, feeding primarily on It nests in a burrow, that is usually lined aquatic plants. with plant materials and fur. It is an excellent climber, and will often use trees for resting, observation, and This animal is the largest rodent in North It is an herbivore, feeding on tree bark, protection. America. grasses, and forbs. This animal is a carnivore Its tracks are often erased by its large It is the most preyed upon animal in North dragging tail. America. It is named for its stubby, bobbed tail. To maintain water levels these animals It has a fluffy, cottony white tail. may build dams up to 100 yards long. White-tailed Deer Black-tailed Jackrabbit

Gray Fox Mule Deer

Coyote Eastern Fox Squirrel White-tailed Deer Mule Deer Coyote

Texas has over 4.5 million of this animal. It has several glands to secrete scent It is found throughout Texas in woodlands, (pheromones). grasslands, deserts and prairies. During breeding season, males make marks on saplings to make rivals aware of It has tremendous eyesight and hearing, It is capable of running at speeds of more their presence. which help it avoid predators. than 30mph.

This animal is an herbivore, feeding on It is an herbivore and has a four-chambered It is a carnivore preying on a variety of acorns, grains, bark, and mesquite beans. stomach to help digest tough woody plants. animals.

Males have forward facing antlers that are Males have forked antlers that are shed in It is known as the trickster in certain shed in the winter. the winter. Native American folklore because of its clever ways. When alarmed, this animal raises its tail, It is named for its prominent mule-like which resembles a white flag. ears. Its distinct howl, coupled with short, high- pitched yelps can often be heard in rural areas.

Black-tailed Jackrabbit Grey Fox Eastern Fox Squirrel

Tracks are indistinct because of hair on the It is an omnivore, feeding on both plants It uses its curved claws for climbing and its bottom of their feet. Their hind print is and animals. tail for balance. larger than their front. It can reach speeds of 26-29 mph Predators include the hawk, owl, coyote This animal is a herbivore and eats foods and bobcat. such as mesquite beans, buds, twigs and Its tracks show four toes and four nails. bark, grasses, forbs, and cactus They eat acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, tree This is the only member of the canine buds, bird eggs, berries, insects, corn and They don't build a den but use forms family that can climb trees. fruit; caches food. (shallow, bowl-shaped depressions on the ground), usually near cover. It has large, pointed ears, and a furry tail It has chisel-like, self-sharpening teeth that tipped with black. grow continuously. Gives birth to 2-6 litters per year with usually 2 young per litter A summer litter is born in a 15" ball- shaped treetop nest called a drey, which is This animal is actually a hare since it does made of leaves and twigs, and lined with not build a nest for its young moss, fur, feathers or lichen. White-footed Mouse Pronghorn Pronghorn

Mountain Lion North American Porcupine

Javelina Virginia Opossum White-footed Mouse Mountain Lion Javelina

This animal has white feet and is grayish On its tracks, the front foot has 5 toes but This animal has a keen sense of smell, brown to cinnamon with white undersides. only 4 make up the hind. which it uses to find underground bulbs and roots. This animal is primarily an omnivore, and This animal is a carnivore and eats foods will eat seeds, fruits, insects, snails, nuts, such as mule deer, white-tailed deer, This animal is an omnivore and eats foods acorns, grains, fungi, berries, and alfalfa. bighorn sheep, rabbits, and javelina such as flowers, fruits, nuts, cacti, bulbs, roots, grubs, reptiles, eggs, mesquite beans, This animal will catch its food and remove They live on cliffside ledges sheltered rock and acorn. any shells before storing it. outcrop, and under fallen logs They live in caves, hollow logs, abandoned They give birth to 4-5 litters per year, with They give birth to 1-4 cubs born blind with burrows , and thickets. 1-6 young per litter. spotted fur, and females give birth to cubs only every other year. Gives birth to 1-4 young fully mobile after Known predators to this animal are the birth. domestic cat, coyote, fox, snake, badger, This animal is the second-largest member owl, skunk, raccoon, mink, and bobcat. of the cat family inhabiting North America. This is the only pig-like species native to North America.

Pronghorn North American Porcupine Virginia Opossum

This animal is cinnamon brown with white This animals tracks show long nails and This animal has a kangaroo-like pouch and undersides and white stripes on its neck. bumpy pads. 13 nipples for its young to attach to.

This animal is a herbivore and eats This animal is a herbivore and eats clover, This animal is an omnivore and eats sagebrush, forbs, grasses, clover, lupine, grass, seeds, corn, leaves, evergreen worms, insects, reptiles, eggs, grain, fruits, cacti, and cedar. needles, aquatic plants, acorns, bark, and nuts, frogs, birds, vegetables, garbage, and twigs. carrion. This animal is the fastest land mammal in North America. This animal lives in hollow logs, tree This animal has hand-like tracks that show cavities, under stumps and buildings, in a thumb on hind foot. They commonly give birth to twins, which caves, and in abandoned burrows of other are born virtually odorless. animals. They give birth to 2 litters per year, 6-20 kits per litter. Both sexes of this animal have simple They give birth to a single pup that has black horns that are covered in an outer dark fur and soft 1" quills. When cornered, this animal will fall into a sheath. death-like stare for up to three hours. This animal has approximately 30,000 quills on its body. Red-eared Slider

SuperColoring.com Desert Bighorn Sheep Sheep Bighorn Desert

SuperColoring Ringtail American Alligator

Northern Striped Skunk Raccoon Desert Bighorn Sheep Ringtail Northern Raccoon

This animal can climb steep mountainsides This animal is an agile climber and uses its This animal is an excellent climber and and can climb and jump with ease. long tail for balance. swimmer.

This animal is a herbivore and eats This animal is an omnivore and eats birds, This animal is an omnivore and eats nuts, mesquite, ironwood, jojoba, and grasses. lizards, small mammals, insects, cactus, berries, insects, crayfish, garden Its water requirements are mostly met by fruits, and other plants. vegetables, grain, fruit, fish, frogs, birds, foods such as cacti. rodents, carrion, and garbage. This animal lives in abandoned burrows, They live on desert mountain ranges, rocky outcrops and hollow logs. This animal lives in rocky bluffs, hollow bluffs, steep slopes, and ledges with cactus, trees, woodchuck burrows, culverts, and grasses, and yucca. They give birth to 1 litter per year, with 2- under buildings. 4 per litter. They give birth to one young per year. They give birth to 1 litter per year, with 2- This animal is named for its prominent 7 young per litter. Males of this animal battle for breeding raccoon-like tail (but is not a raccoon). rights by ramming heads at speeds of 20 They have small, hand-like prints, a mph. distinctive black face mask, and a bushy, ringed tail.

Red-eared Slider American Alligator Striped Skunk

The young, called kits, are born blind, This animal sleeps either by sinking to the This animal spent 20 years on the wrinkled and toothless. bottom of a pond or floating on the surface. endangered species list but was successfully brought back from the brink They are found throughout Texas in rocky An omnivore that eats insects, plants and of extinction and now has healthy areas or ravines with thick vegetation, carrion. population numbers. chaparrals and mixed woodlands, and prefer to be near water. Since this animal is cold-blooded, it basks The female incubates her eggs in a nest in the sun to warm up on logs in ponds and made of mud near the water. They are omnivores which feed on mice rivers. and other small mammals, insects, reptiles, This animal is a carnivore with a hug fruit, eggs, garbage and carrion. This animal is considered the most com- appetite. He can eat up to 20 lbs. a week! mon aquatic turtle in Texas. Their fur has a broad white V-shaped stripe This animal is very common in Texas and on its back and down its bushy tail, and This animal has red coloration near its might be found in bayous, swamps and serves as a warning to predators. ears. rivers. When threatened it will defend itself by This animal is found in the crocodile releasing a foul-smelling spray it squirts up family. to 15 feet. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management

Texas Horned Lizard Western Diamondback Texas Horned Lizard Rattlesnake

This animal has heat sensors between its An insectivore that swallows its prey nose and eyes that allow it to hunt in whole. darkness. Horns cover its yellowish, brown body. This animal is a carnivore who enters burrows to find prey. It can go several This animal can squirt blood from its eyes weeks without food. as a way to confuse and scare off predators. Females bear live young, which is unusual for this type of animal. This animal is sometimes referred to as a horny toad, even though it is not a toad at This animal is considered the most all. venomous in the United States. This animal is the state reptile of Texas. This animal has diamonds on its back and a rattle.