2. A gorilla moves on all fours with its
knuckles on the ground, but most of
its weight is taken on its feet
Feet are characterised by the big toes
which are less widely separated from the
other toes than in most apes
Strikingly human in appearance, the
hands are very broad and strong
with the thumbs larger than the
fingers. This helps the animal to grip
as it climbs trees or grabs at foliage.
3. Horn: 1, blunt and
rather stubby.
Often frayed in older
animals. Made of a
mass of compressed,
hair like fibres above
a bony lump on the
skull
Skin – Thick, dark grey. Falls in distinct folds
at the joints of shoulders and flanks, giving
armour-plated appearance.
4. In a zoo enclosure, the dramatic markings of the
Bengal tiger’s coat make an immediate
impression. In the dappled light of the forests,
however, these bold stripes disguise the tiger so
well that is virtually disappears from view.
The Bengal Tiger’s Teeth
Like its ancestor, the sabre-tooth cat, the
Bengal tiger relies heavily on its powerful teeth
or survival. If it loses its canines (tearing teeth)
through injury or old age, it can no longer kill
prey, and is likely to starve to death.
The sabre-tooth cat had
long canines which it used
as stabbing tools
5. Blowhole: On the top
of the head. Spray may
rise to 3m
Snout: Covered in
knobs
Hump: Visible when
the whale rises to blow
a number of times
Tail: Raised just before the whale
arches forward to dive
Tail: Very large flukes which may be
slapped hard on the water to give a
loud report
Flippers: Long,
powerful, and serrated.
Used in surface displays
and to protect calves
