Animals use caves in different ways. Some animals, including humans, use caves only for temporary shelter. Other creatures are dependent on the cave environment for their survival. Trogloxenes (literally cave guests), such as raccoons or bats, live near the cave entrance, and venture into the cave to find food or shelter from the elements. Troglophiles (literally cave lovers) are animals such as daddy longlegs and cave salamanders that sometimes live in caves but can also be found elsewhere. Finally, troglobytes, such as the blind Texas salamander and the blind flatworm, are animals that live in caves and depend on the cave for survival.
- Encourage the cave lovers in your class to learn about the three different
types of animals that live in or visit caves. Keep a running chart of
the three types. As you continue to explore cave Web sites and other
sources, decide whether each animal you discover is a trogloxene, a
troglophile, or a troglobyte.
- Once you have your chart of cave-dwelling animals, work as a class
on a set of animal cards or PowerPoint slides about each animal. Each
slide should include
Name of animal:
Type of cave dweller:
- Present your slide show to other classes to share your great discoveries.