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
🌸
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.
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