Plant & Animal Structures Explorer

Every structure on a living thing has a job. Tap parts to find out how roots find water, how gills breathe underwater, and how eagle talons catch prey.

Choose a mode

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Garden Plant

Tap a structure to learn what it does

Tap a colored structure button above to discover what it does.

Structures & Functions Reference

Plant Structures

  • Roots: absorb water and nutrients from soil
  • Stem: transports water and food, holds plant upright
  • Leaves: capture sunlight to make food (photosynthesis)
  • Flower: attracts pollinators for reproduction

Animal Structures

  • Gills: extract oxygen from water
  • Wings: allow flight or gliding
  • Fur/Feathers: insulation and protection
  • Claws/Talons: catch prey or climb
  • Sharp beak: tear food or probe for insects

Cactus Adaptations

  • Thick stem: stores water for months without rain
  • Spines: protect from animals and shade the stem
  • Shallow roots: quickly collect water from rare rains

NGSS Connection

This tool supports NGSS 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

Students explore how specific structures like roots, gills, and wings are directly tied to an organism's ability to survive in its habitat.