Sink or Swim
(Free Sample Interactive)

Madagascar has been an island for more than 80 million years. How did animals and plants reach the island? Certain animals and plants were present before Madagascar separated from larger continents, but others arrived later. In this activity, students will investigate some of the shared characteristics of organisms that were able to travel to and colonize the island.

Mouse over the animals and plants below to see some of their characteristics. Do you think they would be able to make it to an island like Madagascar? Drop them in the water to find out.