Critter Project Example  By Mrs. Brown

Name of organism:  “Desert Anthropax”

General Description  Looks similar to a scorpion having a foot- long tail, hard outer shell covering of the body.  About 2 feet in length.  Has 2 antennae

Environment:  Desert  Very dry with rare periods of hard rain & storms  Very hot during the daytime (over 100 degrees F) and cold at night (30-40 degrees F)  Some shrubs, cacti and small plants.

Environmental Pressures  Must withstand extremes in temperatures  Must be able to go long periods without water  Must be able to find shelter from the sun.

Natural Predators:  Birds  Lizards  Mice  Opposums

Adaptations:  A. Movement – senses vibrations & crawls using small claws  B. Physical – exoskeleton that keeps water inside body  C. Behavior – able to curl around itself to keep warm or stretch out to cool; seeks shade from sun.  D. Coloration – same color as sand

Adaptations (con’t.)  E. Reproduction – only during times when water is available & temperatures are not extreme.  F. Chemicals – produces a paste-like waste product to conserve water

References:  ng-fact-sheets/Bark%20Scorp.php ng-fact-sheets/Bark%20Scorp.php   pion.html pion.html