Birds’ beaks allow them to eat, aid with hunting and can be used as a defense mechanism. Beaks are categorised according to their shape and function. There are two types of birds’ beaks:

• Generalist beaks: who use different techniques to obtain food, whose beaks do not have a specific shape
• Specialist beaks: whose beaks are adapted for a single function.

No prior knowledge necessary.

This can be a pre-visit, post-visit or a stand-alone activity.

How does the structure of a birds’ beak determine what they eat and how does this impact their survival?

In this program students will:

• Link the shape of a bird’s beak with its diet
• Understand that birds cannot change their beak if their food source is unavailable

Students will:

• Match six tools with six tasks such as cutting and breaking things apart
• Link the action of each of these tools with a specific bird’s beak
• Discuss the implications of the specificity of many birds beaks to their survival

Science – Science understanding

• Habitats can be described by their physical conditions; changing the physical conditions of a habitat, including by human activity, may affect the growth and survival of organisms (VC2S6U01)
• Organisms have evolved over time, as seen in fossils and scientific records; the structural features and behaviours of living organisms enable them to thrive in their environments (VC2S6U02)