Year 4 HASS/Science Revision: Food Chains, African Environment, and European Environment

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering basic food chain concepts, plant and animal species, conservation strategies, and physical adaptations of the cheetah and European mink from Year 4 HASS and Science notes.

Food Chain

A sequence that shows how energy moves from one living thing to another, and how plants and animals depend on each other for food and energy.

Producers

Plants that use energy from the Sun to make their own food.

Consumers

Animals that get their energy by eating plants or other animals.

Decomposers

Living things that break down dead plants and animals within an ecosystem.

The Sun

The celestial body that provides energy for almost every food chain.

Plants and Trees of Africa

Flora found in the African natural environment, including baobab, acacia, kigelia, and marula.

Animals of Africa

Fauna found in Africa, including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, rhino, African wild dog, cheetah, and giraffe.

African Conservation Strategies

Practices to preserve wildlife and habitats, including raising awareness of extinction risks, establishing protected wildlife areas, enforcing laws against poaching, and safeguarding natural habitats.

Cheetah Legs

Long and lean limbs containing spring-like ligaments that aid the animal's endurance.

Cheetah Internal Adaptations

An enlarged heart, oversized liver, adrenals, bronchi, lungs, and large arteries necessary for explosive speed when capturing prey.

Black Tear Markings

Features under a cheetah's eyes thought to protect against the sun's glare and aid focus on prey.

Cheetah Claws and Footpads

Claws resembling running spikes and ridges along footpads that act like tire treads to provide extra traction during pursuit.

Plants and Trees of Europe

Flora found in the European natural environment, including oak, birch, chestnut, and conifers.

Animals of Europe

Fauna found in Europe, including bison, lynx, bears, wolves, and the golden eagle.

Afforestation

A European conservation strategy in which forest trees are planted in agricultural or farming areas.

European Conservation Strategies

Efforts including afforestation, endangered species breeding programs, hunting bans in protected environments, and European Union biodiversity laws and policies.

European Mink

A carnivorous animal that preys on rabbits, birds, fish, crayfish, and frogs, and is capable of taking down prey larger than itself.

European Mink Fur and Feet

Webbed feet and oil-coated, water-repelling fur that serve as adaptations to prevent skin soaking while living in the water.

European Mink Defensive Spray

A protective mechanism in which the animal aims and discharges a foul-smelling liquid at threats, distinguishing it from skunks that cannot aim.

European Mink Locomotion

Physical capabilities that include climbing trees and swimming underwater to catch prey.