LION
By: H. A.
Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus Species | Works Cited ] Fun Facts

Kingdom: Animalia To the top

• multicellular

• heterotroph

• specialized tissues

• have no cell walls

• reproduce sexually

• development has distinctive stages

• certain structures

• made up of cells

Phylum: Chordata To the top

• bilateral symmetry

• segmented body

• nerve cord

• closed blood system

• complete digestive system

• bony exoskeleton

• 3 germ layers

Class: Mammalia To the top

• 3 middle ear bones

• hair/ fur

• mammary glands

• chain of 3 bones that help them hear sounds

• feed young with milk

• different teeth

Order: Carnivora To the top

• meat eaters

• medium- sized animals

• great vision and hearing

• rapid sprinters

• simple stomach

• skulls are highly varied in form

• large brains

Family: Felidae To the top

• specialized hunters

• relies on prey that has been self killed

• they use a diversity of habitats

• sharp, pointed canines

• short

• retractable claws

• hunting: stalk, then attack (quick rush)

Genus and Species: Panthera Leo To the top

• scavengers

• mane

• broad face

• short neck

        It is truly amazing that lions are the Kings of the Jungles and are ferocious animals!  Lions are from the phylum Chordata and are vicious vertebrates.  The lion's unique characteristics allow them to survive in their habitat.

        Lions have different and interesting characteristics which enable them live in rich grasslands.  A characteristic of a lion is that they have fur that is tan and thin.  This shows that their fur helps them camoflauge and stay cool.  Another characteristic is that a lion's tongue's upper surface has small bumps.  This shows that it helps them hold meat while eating and helps them remove parasites while grooming.  Another example of a lion's characteristic is that they have short legs.  this shows that their short legs help them run fast.  In conclusion, lions have characteristics that help and make them unique in their own way.

        Lions need different elements to help them survive in their habitat.  An element of their habitat is that lions need prey.  This shows that the prey will fill their stomachs so they will not grow hungry.  another element of a lion's habitat is that they need tropical areas with trees and water.  This shows that they climb up trees to stay shaded or to escape from stampedes, and they drink water to stay fresh and cool.  Another example of and element from a lion's habitat is that they need rich grasslands.  This shows that the grass helps them camoflauge so they can catch prey.  In conclusion, a lion's habitat comes together for one reason, so lions can stay alive.  

        The unique characteristics of a lion help them survive in their habitat.  Lions are endangered species and are becoming extinct, so we must stop killing them.         

Fun Facts:     To the Top

• second largest members of the feline family

• use forelegs to grab prey

• canine teeth used to quickly kill

• jaws are short and strong

• short legs help move fast

• claws retract and it helps to keep their claws sharp

King of the Jungle, strong and powerful, gives a mighty roar.

 Works Cited:

Panthera Leo. 13 Apr. 2003. 16 Apr. 2003 http://www.honoluluzoo.org/Default.htm

Panthera Leo. 2 Feb. 2001. 16 Apr. 2003 http://www.geocities.com/loewenfrau/Facts2.html

Panthera Leo. Sounddogs.com. http://www.sounddogs.com/asf/ANIMAL_LION_BIG__WW100686.asf

  Muzzy, Catherine. Lecture. Serra Catholic School, Rancho Santa Margarita. 16 Apr. 2003.

Williams , Josh . Animal Diversity Web. May 2000. University of Michigan . 16 Apr. 2003 http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/panthera/p._leo$narrative.html

Peakwave World Mountain Encyclopidia . 16 Apr. 2003. http://http://www.northrup.org/photos/crap/Animals/nl-114.

To the top

Return To Index