<p> Zoo Trip</p><p>At some point of your time here at the zoo, between doing research on your focus animal and checking out the snow leopard (my personal favorite!), go to the Bird & Reptile House to meet up with me (Mr. Whymer), for a start on my unit about dinosaurs. I know you are probably thinking, “How are we going to study dinosaurs at the zoo when they are extinct?” That’s a good question, but our goal is to look at characteristics of reptiles and birds today and think about how they are dinosaur-like. Then maybe we can find out why many scientists believe that birds are actually dinosaurs in the flesh!</p><p>While you are observing the animals in the Bird & Reptile House answer these questions and think about how they may be dinosaur-like. (Don’t forget to check out the ostrich and bald eagle exhibits!) </p><p>Questions 1. How are the legs positioned on the birds relative to their bodies? Reptiles? (Hint: Are they out to the side or directly under the body?) </p><p>2. Look at the feet of birds. How many digits do they have?</p><p>3. What do you notice about the differences in activity between reptiles and birds? Which ones are more active, and why are they more active?</p><p>4. Do birds have teeth? Reptiles? </p><p>5. What type of shape does an ostrich’s neck form?</p>