Bear
Contents
Key Stage 1
Meaning
A bear is a large animal that eats plants, fruits, and sometimes fish or other meats.
About Bears
- Bears have fur.
- Most bears come out during the day, but some are nocturnal.
- A commonly known fact about bears is that they hibernate in winter, sleeping for months without eating.
Key Stage 2
Meaning
A bear is an omnivorous mammal known for its large size and powerful strength.
About Bears
- Bears help control the population of other animals in their habitat.
- Bears have thick fur.
- Bears can be diurnal or nocturnal, depending on their environment and species.
- Bears are known for their ability to hibernate during winter.
- Bears have a backbone.
- Bears rear their young by nursing them with milk.
- Bears are found in various places around the world like forests, mountains, and some arctic regions. They prefer woodland, tundra, and polar habitats.
- Bears' common microhabitats include caves, dense brush, and trees.
- The name of bear young is cubs.
Adaptations of the Bear
- Bears have developed strong limbs and sharp claws for digging and climbing, allowing them to access food and create dens.
- Their thick fur provides insulation against cold climates, an adaptation for living in harsh climates.
- Bears have a keen sense of smell to locate food over great distances, helping them find a variety of food sources.
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A bear is an omnivorous mammal, part of the family Ursidae, known for its significant size, strength, and adaptability to various ecosystems.
About Bears
- Bears contribute to ecosystem health by controlling prey populations and aiding in seed dispersal.
- Bears are covered in thick fur.
- Bears may be active at different times, with some species preferring daylight hours and others being more nocturnal.
- Bears are vertebrates.
- They serve roles as both predator and scavenger in their ecosystems, feeding on a varied diet and sometimes being preyed upon by larger animals or humans.
- Bears inhabit diverse environments, from dense forests to arctic ice fields.
- Common bear microhabitats include dense forests for cover, rivers for fishing, and caves for hibernating.
- Most bears give birth to live young.
- Bears are homeotherms, maintaining a constant internal body temperature.
- Bears often live solitary lives but can form groups in certain circumstances, like a mother with her cubs.
- The group noun for bears is a sleuth or sloth.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A bear is an omnivorous, vertebrate mammal, classified within the order Carnivora, distinguished by its large size, heavy body, and ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats.
About Bears
- Bears play a dual role in their habitats and ecosystems as both apex predators and scavengers, contributing to natural control of prey species and plant seed dispersal.
- Bears have dense fur.
- They are vertebrates.
- Bears nurse their offspring with milk.
- Bears are viviparous, giving birth to live young.
- Bears are homeotherms, maintaining a stable internal body temperature regardless of external conditions.
Key Stage 5
Meaning
The bear, belonging to the Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Ursidae, and various genera, is a large, powerful vertebrate known for its adaptability to different environments ranging from forests to arctic ice.
About Bears
- Bears have a respiratory system that includes lungs and a diaphragm, allowing for efficient gas exchange and support during hibernation.
- Their digestive system can handle a wide range of food, from plants and berries to large prey, due to a versatile stomach and intestines adapted to both plant and animal matter.
- The bear nervous system, including a large brain, is highly developed, allowing for complex behaviours such as problem-solving, memory, and navigation.