Owl

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/owl

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?Order: Strigiformes
2. What is the lifespan?Wild: 10-20 years is typical; Captivity: Some species can live 30-40+ years
3. What makes owls good at hunting at night?Owls have very big eyes that let in a lot of light and ears that can pinpoint sound. They also fly silently because their feathers are specially shaped. This helps them catch prey without being seen or heard.
4. How do owls see and hear in the dark?Their forward-facing eyes gather light for excellent low‑light vision. Their ears are asymmetrical and hidden by facial discs, letting them locate sounds precisely, even under snow or leaves.

Scotopic Vision: The ability to see in low-light conditions, crucial for nocturnal animals like owls.
Facial Disc: A ring of specialized feathers around an owl's face that helps funnel sound towards its ears.
Trophic Regulation: The role of predators like owls in controlling populations of prey species, maintaining ecosystem balance.