How Do Animals Glide From Tree to Tree?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How do animals glide from tree to tree?

The Big Idea

Some rainforest animals cannot fly, but they can glide! They spread out skin, ribs, or feet like a parachute and sail from tree to tree. Gliding saves energy and keeps them away from hunters on the ground.

Skin Wings

Step one: skin wings. Flying squirrels and colugos have a flap of skin stretched between their arms and legs. When they leap, the flap opens like a parachute and catches the air.

Other Gliders

Step two: other gliders. Flying lizards spread folded ribs like wings, and flying snakes flatten their bodies. Some frogs spread out big webbed feet to slow their fall.

Launch and Land

Step three: launch and land. A glider jumps from a high branch and slowly sinks toward another tree. It uses a lot less energy than climbing down and up again.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Flying squirrels and colugos use skin flaps. Flying lizards open folded ribs like wings. Flying snakes flatten their bodies to catch air. Gliding frogs spread huge webbed feet. Each one is a different parachute.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A colugo can glide farther than the length of a football field. Colugos live in Southeast Asia and are not lemurs or bats. They glide to find leaves and fruit, and to stay safe. Always watch wild animals from far away.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Make a paper glider and crumple a second sheet into a ball. Drop both from the same height, standing on the floor. Which falls slower and farther? Wings and flaps slow the fall!

Outro

Gliding animals turn skin and ribs into parachutes. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!