Why Do Sea Otters Use Rocks as Tools?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do sea otters use rocks as tools?

The Big Idea

Sea otters use rocks as tools because it helps them open hard-shelled food! They eat shellfish like clams and crabs. A rock lets them crack the shells that their teeth can't open.

Hard Shells

Step one: hard shells. Sea otters live in cold ocean waters and eat shellfish like clams and crabs. Those hard shells can be tough to open.

Rock Tool

Step two: the rock tool. An otter floats on its back with a rock resting on its chest. Then it smashes the shell against the rock until it opens.

Favorite Rock

Step three: a favorite rock. Using a tool lets the otter get food that it can't open with its teeth. Each otter often prefers a favorite rock, and it may keep it in a special pouch.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The otter floats on its back. A rock sits on its chest. It cracks the shellfish against the rock. A pouch of skin under its arm holds a favorite rock. Tool use is a sign of smart animals.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Sea otters keep a special pouch of skin under their arm to hold a rock. They have the thickest fur of any animal, with up to a million hairs per square inch. Otters sometimes hold hands while they sleep, so they don't drift apart. Watch wild sea otters from the shore or a boat, and never approach them.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, use a smooth rock outside to crack a peanut shell on a towel. Skip this one if anyone nearby has a peanut allergy. How hard did you have to hit it? What would happen if you didn't have a rock?

Outro

Sea otters are clever tool users. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!