Animal Intelligence Activities for 5th
Grade
💡 Vocabulary Practice Activity – Animal Adaptations
Part 1: True or False
Read the sentences. Write True or False.
1. A trait is something you can choose, like your favorite food.
2. Animals use strategies to survive in the wild.
3. Behaviour means how an animal or person acts.
4. An adaptation is a problem animals have.
5. Survival means staying alive.
6. A response is something you eat.
7. Animals defend themselves to avoid danger.
Part 2: Match the Word to the Definition
Write the correct word next to each definition. Use these words:
strategy – trait – response – defend – predator – prey – behaviour – adaptation – survival
a) A plan to help succeed or stay alive → __________
b) A feature of a person or animal, like eye color → __________
c) A reaction to something happening → __________
d) To protect yourself from danger → __________
e) An animal that hunts other animals → __________
f) An animal that is hunted by other animals → __________
g) The way a person or animal acts → __________
h) A change that helps an animal live better → __________
i) Staying alive → __________
Part 3: Write a Sentence
Use the words in sentences that show you understand their meaning.
1. defend → ___________________________________________
2. trait → _____________________________________________
3. strategy → __________________________________________
4. adaptation → _______________________________________
5. behaviour → _________________________________________
6. survival → ___________________________________________
7. response → __________________________________________
Part 4: Write a Short Text
Use at least 4 of the words in this box to write a short paragraph about an animal.
Words: adaptation – strategy – behaviour – survival – defend – response – trait
Example starter: The chameleon has amazing adaptations. One special trait is its color-
changing skin...
📘 Reading Comprehension: Animal Smarts
Some animals are not just cute—they’re smart too! Scientists have studied many animals to
learn how they use their brains in clever ways.
Monkeys can use tools and even trade items. One monkey was seen using a napkin to clean
its face! They can figure out puzzles and even sort out problems by working together. Their
constant chattering helps them share ideas.
Dolphins are amazing beings. They use special whistles to call each other by name. They can
also learn tricks, fetch objects, and grasp new ideas quickly. In fact, dolphins can recognize
themselves in a mirror, which shows real thinking skills.
Parrots can guess meanings and learn words. Some can open a gate, find hidden objects, or
even tear off paper to play games. They copy human sounds and use them in the right time.
That’s not just a charm—it’s intelligence.
Elephants can figure out how to move objects to reach food. They remember paths for years,
even ones they traveled in a jeep. If another elephant is in danger, they help. That’s
teamwork!
Dogs learn commands and understand human words. Some dogs can learn over 100 words!
They bark, they listen, and they even trade toys for treats. Some are trained to smell poison
or find people in danger.
Even octopuses show smart moves! They solve puzzles, open jars, and do feats that surprise
scientists.
So next time you look at an animal, don’t just see fur, feathers, or jelly bodies—look for
brains too!
📖 Reading Comprehension Questions
A. True or False
1. Parrots can open gates and play with paper.
2. Dogs can learn over 300 words.
3. Monkeys use whistles to talk.
4. Dolphins can fetch objects and recognize themselves in mirrors.
5. Elephants forget paths after a week.
B. Choose the Correct Answer
1. What do dolphins use to call each other?
a) Bark
b) Whistles
c) Jelly
2. What kind of animal can solve puzzles and open jars?
a) Dog
b) Parrot
c) Octopus
3. Which animal can clean its face with a napkin?
a) Dolphin
b) Monkey
c) Elephant
4. Why is a parrot’s ability to talk not just a charm?
a) Because it makes people happy
b) Because it shows intelligence
c) Because it helps them sleep
C. Vocabulary Match
Match the word to its meaning:
1. tear off –
2. grasp –
3. fetch –
4. poison –
5. feats –
a) dangerous substance
b) to bring something
c) amazing actions
d) to understand
e) to remove quickly
