Animal defense mechanisms

Assign students an animal to consider. Using empathy, and the skills of considering the needs of a "user", conduct a gap analysis where the needs and requirements of the animal are considered. The gap analysis involves considering the defense mechanisms the animal currently has, the requirements and pressures of its environment, and what defense mechanisms it might be missing.

Space is given to considering the ethical or environment impact that might occur should the animal "level up" its defenses.

Ask students to consider different attributes that make up animal defense systems. For example:

• Camouflage

• Mimicry

• Physical armour

• Venom

• Speed

Next, generate as many variations for each attribute as possible. For example, some attributes for mimicry might include:

• mimicking the colour of a rock

• sounding like an another animal

• copying the movement patterns of rustling leaves