Science Worksheet · Grades 3–5
Predator and Prey Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 3-5 on predators and prey: a predator hunts and eats other animals, while prey are the animals that are hunted and eaten. Students identify the role of an animal in eight hunts, then answer four questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Science
Grades
Grades 3–5
Skill Focus
Predator and Prey, life science
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
In every ecosystem, some animals hunt and others are hunted. A predator is an animal that hunts, catches, and eats other animals, and prey are the animals that get eaten. Some animals are both – a predator to smaller animals and prey to larger ones. This worksheet helps students sort out these roles, an important idea in the study of ecosystems and food chains.
Section A describes eight hunts (an owl catching a mouse; a coyote chasing a rabbit) and asks students to decide whether the named animal is the predator or the prey. The reference box teaches the idea with a cheetah and gazelle, a caterpillar and robin, and a toad that is both, examples not reused in the items.
Section B asks students to define predator and prey, give an example of an animal that is both, and explain why predators matter to an ecosystem. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill builds toward understanding food chains, food webs, and the balance of nature.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and discuss how a toad can be both predator and prey.
Complete Section A independently – have students ask ‘is this animal hunting, or being hunted?’
Work Section B item 11 together: name an animal that is both predator and prey.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Food Chain Worksheet or the Food Web Worksheet for an ecosystems mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Predator and Prey Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 3-5 on predators and prey: a predator hunts and eats other animals, while prey are the animals that are hunted and eaten. Students identify the role of an animal in eight hunts, then answer four questions. A complete answer key is included.
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