Talk Homework – Monday 8th October 2012
Endangered Animals – The Mountain Gorilla
We have been busy researching endangered animals. One of the top ten most endangered animals in
the world is the Mountain Gorilla.
Scientists consider the mountain gorilla to be a critically
endangered gorilla subspecies, with about 720 surviving in the wild.
Threats: War, poaching and loss of habitat.
This week’s homework
is to discuss this endangered animal in preparation for writing a descriptive
passage from the gorilla’s point of view.
You should discuss how the gorilla moves, their appearance, their
diet, their habitat, their fears and hopes. Think about WOW words to describe
their appearance and how they move! Make notes in your treasury if you
wish. I have included some facts to
help.
FACTS TO
HELP
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Physical Characteristics
The gorilla is massive, with a short, thick trunk and broad chest and shoulders. Its eyes and ears are dwarfed by its large head and hairless, shiny black muzzle. Older males develop a crown of muscle and hair that makes the head look even longer. The arms are longer than the stubby legs. The fully adult male mountain gorilla is twice as large as the female.
Behaviour
The gorilla is shy and retiring rather than ferocious and treacherous. It usually seeks no trouble unless harassed but will valiantly defend its family group if threatened. Family groups are close-knit and may have up to 30 members, but even if smaller, the group usually consists of at least one older male, one or more females and a few juveniles.
The gorilla is massive, with a short, thick trunk and broad chest and shoulders. Its eyes and ears are dwarfed by its large head and hairless, shiny black muzzle. Older males develop a crown of muscle and hair that makes the head look even longer. The arms are longer than the stubby legs. The fully adult male mountain gorilla is twice as large as the female.
Behaviour
The gorilla is shy and retiring rather than ferocious and treacherous. It usually seeks no trouble unless harassed but will valiantly defend its family group if threatened. Family groups are close-knit and may have up to 30 members, but even if smaller, the group usually consists of at least one older male, one or more females and a few juveniles.
Diet
Animals of this size need a lot of food, and the vegetarian gorilla is no exception. Although they eat a variety of plants, favourites include wild celery, bamboo, thistles, stinging nettles, bedstraw and certain fruit. These plants seem to provide sufficient moisture so that gorillas do not need water.
Animals of this size need a lot of food, and the vegetarian gorilla is no exception. Although they eat a variety of plants, favourites include wild celery, bamboo, thistles, stinging nettles, bedstraw and certain fruit. These plants seem to provide sufficient moisture so that gorillas do not need water.
