Theme: Nature’s Survival Tricks

Explore the surprising strategies that help living things hide, defend themselves, and survive.

9 themed words All 26 letters covered Vowels shown in gold Consonants hidden in blue
1
  A    
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  1. A feature of many predators
  2. It helps animals grasp or process food
  3. It contains or supports teeth in many species
  4. The upper and lower parts of a mouth
Reveal answer
J A W S
Background information
Different animals have evolved specialized jaws for biting, crushing, filtering, or grasping food and sometimes for defense.
2
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  1. A protective surface quality
  2. It helps many leaves retain moisture
  3. It describes a coating that repels water
  4. It means covered with or resembling wax
Reveal answer
W A X Y
Background information
A waxy cuticle on leaves reduces water loss. This adaptation is especially useful to plants living in dry or exposed environments.
3
    E E   E
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  1. An anti-predator response
  2. Movement suddenly stops
  3. An animal may do this to avoid being seen
  4. To become completely motionless
Reveal answer
F R E E Z E
Background information
Remaining motionless can make prey harder for a predator to detect, particularly when the predator responds strongly to movement.
4
    I   E  
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  1. A physical defense
  2. They discourage unwanted contact
  3. Porcupines and some plants have sharp ones
  4. Pointed projections used for protection
Reveal answer
S P I K E S
Background information
Sharp spines can deter herbivores and predators. Cacti use spines for protection and to influence their microclimate.
5
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  1. A trick of resemblance
  2. It can fool a predator
  3. A harmless species may look dangerous
  4. Imitating another organism
Reveal answer
M I M I C R Y
Background information
In Batesian mimicry, a harmless species resembles a harmful or unpalatable species, gaining protection from predators.
6
    A     E A  
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  1. A last-resort defensive behavior
  2. An animal acts unresponsive
  3. Opossums are famous for it
  4. Pretend to be lifeless
Reveal answer
P L A Y D E A D
Background information
Thanatosis, or death-feigning, is observed in opossums, snakes, insects, and other animals as a response to danger.
7
  I   E     A   E
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  1. A seasonal survival strategy
  2. Activity and metabolism may slow greatly
  3. Some mammals do this during winter
  4. Enter prolonged winter dormancy
Reveal answer
H I B E R N A T E
Background information
During hibernation, some mammals sharply reduce metabolic activity, helping them survive seasons when food is scarce.
8
  U I   E   I    
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  1. A kind of movement
  2. It can resemble a leaf shaking
  3. It means trembling rapidly
  4. A nine-letter word beginning with QUIVER
Reveal answer
Q U I V E R I N G
Background information
Trembling or vibration may help some organisms resemble moving foliage or signal danger, although the function varies by species.
9
  A   O U     A   E
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  1. A way to avoid detection
  2. Color and pattern can be involved
  3. An animal blends into its surroundings
  4. Concealment by matching the environment
Reveal answer
C A M O U F L A G E
Background information
Camouflage may rely on color, pattern, body shape, or behavior. Some animals change their appearance to match surroundings.

Nature’s Survival Tricks — Did You Know?

The Art of Disguise
Camouflage can depend on behavior and shape as much as color.
False Alarm
Some harmless species mimic dangerous species to discourage predators.
Winter Savings
Hibernation conserves energy when food is scarce.
Plant Armor
Waxy leaf surfaces reduce evaporation and help plants survive dry conditions.