How Animals Use Body Parts to Move

Next Generation Science

This educational video explores the fascinating relationship between animal anatomy and locomotion, explaining how various creatures are physically adapted to move within their specific environments. Through high-quality footage of animals in the wild, the narrator breaks down different habitats—land, trees, water, and air—and identifies the specific body parts that enable movement in each. The video covers a wide range of examples, from the powerful legs of cheetahs and kangaroos to the specialized fins of sharks and the diverse wing structures of birds and insects. Key themes include biological adaptation, structure and function, and habitat-specific survival strategies. The content introduces scientific vocabulary such as "brachiation" while keeping explanations accessible for young learners. It specifically contrasts how similar structures, like wings, can function differently based on an animal's needs—comparing the rapid hovering of hummingbirds to the long-distance gliding of eagles. For educators, this video serves as an excellent visual anchor for units on animal adaptations or basic biology. It provides clear, observable evidence of the "structure and function" crosscutting concept in science standards. Teachers can use the distinct segments to facilitate discussions about why animals look the way they do and how their physical traits directly impact their ability to find food, escape predators, and survive.