Amazing Animal Senses — Fun Science
Bats use sound to find their way in the dark — they make squeaks and listen for the echoes. This is called echolocation!
Learn
- Bats make high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects. By listening to the echoes, they can fly safely in the dark.
- Sharks can sense tiny amounts of electricity given off by other animals in the water.
- Bees can see ultraviolet light, which humans cannot. Some flowers have special patterns that only bees can see.
- Dogs can smell things up to 100,000 times better than humans. That is why they are great at finding things.
Try These Questions
- What is echolocation?
Answer: Using sound echoes to find your way
Hint: Bats make sounds and listen for the "echo". - What can bees see that humans cannot?
Answer: Ultraviolet light
Hint: It is a type of light beyond what humans can see. - Which animal has an amazing sense of smell?
Answer: Dog
Hint: They are used to find lost people and things.
Research an Amazing Animal
- Choose an animal that has a special sense (for example: bat, shark, bee, owl, or elephant).
- Find out what its special sense is and how it helps the animal survive.
- Draw a picture of the animal and label its special sense.
- Write three sentences about what you discovered.
Safety: Use books or a trusted website with an adult. No need to touch any animals.
Challenge Quiz
- How do bats find their way in the dark?
Answer: Echolocation - What can sharks sense in the water?
Answer: Electricity - What can bees see that humans cannot?
Answer: Ultraviolet light - How much better is a dog's sense of smell than a human's?
Answer: 100,000 times - Why do some flowers have special patterns?
Answer: So bees can see them