What Are The Different Animal Body Coverings? 

Different animals have different body coverings that help them survive and adapt to their environment. Some animals have fur or hair that keeps them warm and helps them hide. Birds have feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and display bright colours to attract mates or defend their territory. Reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, have scales that protect them from danger. Insects have a hard outer covering called an exoskeleton that protects them and provides support. Finally, fish and amphibians have smooth, wet skin that helps them breathe and prevents them from drying out. These are just a few of the various animal body coverings that are crucial for animals to thrive in their habitats.

Shells, Feathers, Fur, Down…Discover the Different Body Coverings of Animals

To ensure your students grasp the complex science vocabulary related to the types of animal body coverings and animal adaptations, they need plenty of discussion and visual examples to clarify word meanings. This teaching slide deck is perfect for doing just that! The following different body coverings of animals are included in this slide deck.

• Fur

• Feathers/Down

• Scales

• Shells

• Skin

• Exoskeleton

It includes various interactive activities sprinkled throughout to get your students thinking, talking, and looking out for amazing animals that use their body coverings to survive. Some of the essential ideas your students will learn from this slide deck are:

1. What are animal body coverings?
2. How do animals use their body coverings to help them survive?
3. What animals have shells, scales, or fur?
4. What is an exoskeleton?
5. How do different body coverings benefit organisms in different environments?

This resource downloads as an easy-to-use, editable Google Slides or PowerPoint presentation. Click the dropdown arrow t0 make your copy, and you’re ready to teach!

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a Teach Starter Collaborator.

Even More Ways to Teach About Animal Features and Body Coverings

Before you go, take advantage of even more resources to teach your students about animal characteristics! Explore our related resources to enhance your teaching toolkit.

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