A Little Bit More
The northern mammals whose coats change from brown to white and back again certainly have the most dramatic response to seasonal changes. But many mammals have changes in their fur as the weather cools or warms. White-tailed and Mule Deer change from a rich russet (orangish color) in summer to a drab brown-gray in winter. Horses in pastures shed their sleek, race-horse look for that of a shaggy beast of burden during the winter months. Even the family dog may develop a longer, better-insulating coat to help it through the cold weather. Hair (or fur) takes a beating, no matter who is wearing it, and hairs can be lost at any time of the year. But spring and fall often bring heavy molts, with subsequent changes in appearance. Hair itself doesn’t change color during its lifetime, except to fade a bit with age, but when replaced, color change can be seen as the newer takes the place of the older hairs.
Range map for Long-tailed Weasel
This range map for the Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) shows that this species has a very wide distribution across the continent. Those areas in yellow are inhabited by weasels that change to white in the winter. Those areas in blue are inhabited by weasels that do not change in winter. And those areas in green have weasels that may, or may not, change their coat.
Activities
Science & English – Story Telling
Objectives: Use a fact of science to stimulate creative writing exercise
Materials: Read unit poster, access online link, pencil and paper
We haven’t had students do any writing lately so this might be a good time. We’ve discussed how the Long-tailed Weasel changes its coat from brown to white (at least in the northern portion of its range) and I think it’s quite obvious why. The camouflage offered (white in winter and brown in summer) makes it easier for weasels to catch their prey and avoid predators.
Let your students put on their creative hats and see if they can write a short story about how the weasel went from brown to white, or visa versa. Encourage the students to allow their “creative juices” to flow and see what they can come up with. You decide how long a paper you want.
American Folklore
Animal myths and legends
Key Concepts
Structures and Functions, Predator/Prey Relationships, Life Cycles, Identification, Growth and Development, Adaptations and Diversity
Questions
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