Why Flamingos Turn Pink

Why Flamingos Turn Pink Worksheet: Inherited traits and the environment (Grade 4 Florida Science)

Students learn that flamingos are born gray and turn pink from the shrimp they eat, while traits like long legs come from their parents. They sort four traits as coming from parents or from the environment, then answer two questions about flamingo food. The page teaches the idea first, so no prior lesson is needed, and every answer can be found on the page.

What's Inside

• A short teach box on inherited traits and how food, sunlight, and water can change some traits
• Part A: four picture cards; circle parents or environment
• Part B: two questions about what makes a flamingo pink
• A raccoon guide with a question to get students thinking
• An answer key with answers marked in red, plus a short teacher note with what to watch for and a quick real-world activity

How Teachers Use It

Read the short teach box together, then let students work through Part A and Part B on their own or with a partner. It takes 8 to 10 minutes and prints clearly in black and white. The focus skill is explaining that traits are inherited but some can be affected by the environment. Florida benchmark: SC.4.L.16.2: Explain that although characteristics of plants and animals are inherited, some characteristics can be affected by the environment.

Why It Works

A surprising Florida bird hooks students, and underlined clue words like like its parents or from eating make each choice clear. Questions are short circle answers with clear choices, and the reasoning is on the teacher key.