SELF- LEARNING

MODULE IN
SCIENCE 4
SECOND
QUARTER –
MODULE 3

NAME ___________________________________________________
GRADE and SECTION: ________________________________________
GRADE 4 WEEK 3 Q2
ANIMALS LIVE ON LAND AND WATER
Amphibian
 It literally means “having a double life,” and many amphibians are just as comfortable on
land as they are living in the water. Amphibians may be the most familiar animals that
often live on land and in the water, but several other animals thrive in both domains as
well, including crocodilians, turtles and even some fish.
American Alligators
American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) historically ranged throughout the coastal plain
of the southeastern United States as far north as Virginia. Currently, the species is found in a
much smaller range. These long-lived reptiles walk on land to travel between water sources, to
lay eggs and access basking locations. When entering the water, alligators will lie on their
bellies, push with their legs and slide into the water. Alligators are better swimmers than runners,
but are capable of running 10 miles per hour or more for short bursts. Alligators aren't the only
crocodilians suited to this dual lifestyle; all 23 crocodilian species are well adapted to walking on
land and swimming in the water.
Spotted Turtles
The pretty black-and-yellow spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) is a North American native that are
equally at home on land or in the water. Though not the accomplished swimmers that slider
(Chrysemys sp.) or softshell (Apalone sp.) turtles are, they do swim well. Spotted turtles eschew
deep water and typically inhabit wetlands and shallow ponds with mud or sand bottoms. Most
food is consumed in the water and consists of fish, invertebrates and vegetation. While on land,
the 4-inch spotted turtles are at high risk of predation, and -- when possible -- they will retreat to
the water if frightened. Besides the spotted turtle, all aquatic species can walk on land; though
some of the land-loving tortoises cannot effectively swim.
Two-Lined Salamanders
Southern two-lined salamanders (Eurycea cirrigera) inhabit most of the southeastern United
States. These small amphibians deposit eggs in the water that hatch into fully aquatic larvae.
Adults are quite capable on land, though they often flee to the water if threatened by a predator.
As with all members of the family Plenthodontidae, two-lined salamanders don’t have lungs.
Larvae breathe through their gills while in the water, and adults breathe through their moist skin.
In addition to the two-lined and dozens of other salamander species, many frogs are equally
comfortable walking or hopping on land and swimming in the water.
Lungfish
Six species of the superorder Dipnoi are called lungfish. Native to South America, Africa and
Australia, these fish have better control of their fins than most fish and can use them to walk --
albeit awkwardly -- on land. Lungfish use a swim bladder to gulp air from the surface, though
some species also have rudimentary gills for breathing underwater. Lungfish use their air-
breathing and land-walking capabilities to aestivate in the dry mud when their pond dries up or
travel to a new water source. Additionally, lungfish may gulp air from the surface when the
oxygen levels in their pond drops too low.
urtles are a surprisingly diverse group of animals, with 55 species occurring naturally in the
United States. Where a turtle lives in the wild depends on the species, as different species have
different habitat requirements.
Non-Basking Aquatic Turtles
Several species, such as the common snapper and softshell turtles, spend most of their time
completely submerged. These types usually inhabit shallow ponds, lakes and slow-moving
streams or rivers.
Basking Aquatic Turtles
The most commonly seen aquatic turtles are those that climb onto rocks, branches and logs
above the water to bask in the sun. These include painted turtles, map turtles and sliders. These
species frequent ponds, lakes and rivers with many available basking sites.
Land Turtles
A few species of turtle rarely venture into water, but instead inhabit terrestrial habitats. Box
turtles are the most well-known land turtles. In North America, the Eastern Box Turtle frequents
woodland habitats, while the Ornate Box Turtle prefers the open grasslands and prairies of the
west.
Direction:
 Paste a picture with your favorite pet at home and

enumerate their different characteristics that you

already observed to your pet. (Atleast 5)
 If you don’t have one, attach a photo of a pet you

would like to have and enumerate also their 5

special characteristics that you are most interested
in. Use the space below.