Osteophagy

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/osteophagy

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 (spotted hyena)?Crocuta crocuta
2. What is the scientific name (wolverine)?Gulo gulo
3. Why do hyenas and wolverines eat bones?They can break bones with strong jaws and teeth. This lets them get tasty marrow and more calories. It gives them an advantage when food is scarce.
4. Which herbivores eat bones to get minerals?Animals like porcupines, wildebeest, and tortoises eat bones. They need more phosphorus and calcium for strong bones and good health.

Osteophagy: The practice of consuming bone, either for its nutrient content or as a means of survival.
Ecological Niche: The functional role and position of a species within its ecosystem, including its resource use and interactions.
Mineral Supplementation: The process of obtaining essential minerals from non-standard dietary sources to correct deficiencies.
Dental Morphology: The form and structure of an animal's teeth, adapted to its specific diet and feeding habits.