Moth Mimicry Student Worksheet.pdf - Moth Mimicry: Using...

Moth Mimicry: Using
Ultrasound to Avoid Bats
Scientists at Work
Student Worksheet
OVERVIEW
This worksheet complements the short video “ Moth Mimicry: Using Ultrasound to Avoid Bats ” from the
Scientists at Work series.
PROCEDURE
1. Prior to watching the film, read the questions below.
2. Watch the film.
3. If working with a partner or in a small group, discuss and answer the questions below. If working alone,
think about and answer the questions below.
QUESTIONS
1. Insect-eating bats are nocturnal hunters that rely on echolocation. Study Figure 1 below.
a. Develop a prediction about how a bat determines whether an object is close or far away.
b. Develop a prediction about how a bat determines whether an object is large or small.
2. List two advantages of using sound rather than vision or smell to detect prey.
Figure 1. Bats
produce high-
frequency sound
waves
(ultrasounds) to
locate potential
prey. When they
encounter an
object, the
soundwaves are
reflected back.
Bats detect and
interpret the
reflected sound
waves to
determine the size
and location of the
object
.