European pine marten

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/european-pine-marten

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Martes martes
2. What is the habitat?Mature temperate forests (coniferous and deciduous) across Europe and Western Asia
3. What does a European pine marten look like?They have a long, flexible body, short powerful limbs, sharp semi-retractable claws, and a creamy‑yellow patch on their throat.
4. How do European pine martens move in trees?Their body shape and claws let them climb quickly, go up and down, and move easily through the forest canopy.

Mustelid: A diverse family of carnivorous mammals characterized by elongated bodies and short limbs.
Arboreal: Adapted for living in trees, exhibiting agility and skill in navigating arboreal environments.
Nocturnal/Crepuscular: Active primarily during the night or at dawn and dusk, respectively.
Mesopredator: A mid-level predator that is preyed upon by apex predators but also preys on smaller animals.