Dinosaur teeth: a form/function lesson
 
 
 
This page contains a lesson plan and a computer activity that can be used to teach the concept of form and function with the example of dinosaur teeth.
National Science Education Standards addressed
Just the teeth can tell us a lot about the animal. How big was it? The size of the teeth can give us a hint about that. And, most importantly, what did the animal eat and how did it process its food? A long, sharp tooth might be good for grabbing and ripping the prey, whereas a flat, ridged one with a large surface area might be better suited to grinding up tough plant fibers.
Lesson Plan
Dinosaur teeth activity
Knowing how to relate the form of teeth to their function also applies to living organisms today. How are the teeth of a horse suited to its diet and life style? These of a lion or a tiger? A shark or a dolphin? A monkey?
Assessment activity
     
     
     
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