Sorting Skeletons

To sort animal skeletons into groups, discussing patterns and similarities and differences.

Write the name of the animals shown below into the correct section on the next page. You can then add your own examples for each group.
Write the advantages and disadvantages of each type of skeleton at the bottom.

worm robin scorpion spider snake

prawn giraffe grasshopper hedgehog octopus

Science | Animals Including Humans | Skeletons | Lesson 3 visit twinkl.com

 Sorting Skeletons

Endoskeletons Exoskeletons Hydrostatic Skeletons

Advantages: Advantages: Advantages:

Disadvantages: Disadvantages: Disadvantages:

Science | Animals Including Humans | Skeletons | Lesson 3 visit twinkl.com

 Sorting Skeletons Answers
Endoskeletons Exoskeletons Hydrostatic Skeletons

robin scorpion worm

snake spider octopus
giraffe prawn squid
hedgehog grasshopper jellyfish
dog ladybird
lion crab
monkey ant

Advantages: Advantages: Advantages:

• Grows with the body • Very well-protected from predators • Can squeeze through small spaces
• Bones are strong and light • Can make a new skeleton when old one • Very light
• Organs are protected gets too small

Disadvantages: Disadvantages: Disadvantages:

• Provides little protection from predators • Animal is vulnerable before new • Cannot lift objects
skeleton hardens • No protection from predators
• Skeleton cannot grow with the animal

Science | Animals Including Humans | Skeletons | Lesson 3 visit twinkl.com