Lion King Ecology! by Here to Help Science Teachers | TPT - Free Printable

Let’s go step by step through the worksheet.

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Scene 1: The Presentation (Circle all that apply)

> “Simba was an outgoing lion on a bench. They are gathering food for their cub. This is an example of...”

We’re looking at animal behaviors in nature.

- A. Competition → Not really. They’re not fighting over resources here.
- B. Cooperation → YES! Lions working together to gather food = cooperation.
- C. Mutualism → That’s when two different species help each other. Here, it’s same species — lions helping lions. So no.
- D. Predation → No one is being hunted or eaten here.
- E. Commensalism → One benefits, other unaffected? Doesn’t fit.
- F. Parasitism → One harms the other? Nope.

✔ Correct answer: B. Cooperation

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Next part:

> “An elephant charging toward Simba to throw him off a ledge. This symbiotic relationship is an example of...”

Wait — this isn’t really symbiosis. Symbiosis usually means long-term close interaction between different species. But let’s look at options:

- A. Mutualism → both benefit? No.
- B. Commensalism → one benefits, other unaffected? Elephant doesn’t care about Simba? Maybe… but Simba is harmed.
- C. Predation → Is the elephant trying to eat Simba? Probably not — just scaring him away.
- D. Competition → Are they competing for something? Possibly space or safety? Hmm.
- E. Parasitism → No.
- F. Amensalism → One organism is inhibited or destroyed while the other is unaffected. YES! Elephant charges → Simba gets thrown off (harmed), elephant doesn’t care (unaffected). That fits amensalism.

But wait — “amensalism” isn’t listed as an option? Let me check again.

Options given:
a. mutualism
b. commensalism
c. predation
d. competition

Hmm… none say “amensalism”. So maybe we need to pick the *closest*.

Elephant is acting aggressively to remove Simba from its space — that could be seen as competition for territory or safety.

Or if the elephant is trying to kill/eat Simba → predation. But elephants don’t typically prey on lion cubs. More likely, it’s defensive behavior — protecting its own space.

In ecology, when one animal drives another away without eating it, it can fall under competition (for space/resources) or sometimes interference competition.

Given the choices, D. Competition is best fit.

BUT — let’s double-check context. In The Lion King movie, Scar sets up Simba to be chased by wildebeests, not elephants. Wait — maybe this is misremembered? Or perhaps it's referring to Mufasa saving Simba from hyenas? Actually, in Scene 1 (“The Presentation”), there’s no elephant charging. Hmm...

Wait — maybe this refers to later scene? Let’s read carefully.

Actually, re-reading: “An elephant charging toward Simba to throw him off a ledge.” — This might be fictional or mixed-up with another scene. But assuming the question is valid...

If an elephant is actively trying to harm Simba (throw him off ledge), and Simba is harmed, elephant unaffected → that’s amensalism, which isn't listed.

Among given options:

- If elephant is defending territory → competition
- If elephant sees Simba as threat/prey → predation

Since elephants aren’t predators of lions, and Simba is just a cub causing disturbance, competition makes more sense.

✔ So I’ll go with D. Competition

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Next:

> “The thorns on the acacia tree that Rafiki used to hit Simba is a great example of a ___ mechanism.”

Thorns protect the tree from animals eating it. When Rafiki uses them to discipline Simba, it shows how thorns serve as defense.

This is a defense mechanism — specifically physical defense against herbivores or threats.

Looking at options:

a. predator
b. prey
c. defense
d. chase

Clearly, c. defense

✔ Answer: C. Defense

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Now matching characters to roles:

> Identify 3 actors (human names) from Pride Rock:

From The Lion King cast (original animated film):

- Simba → voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas (young), Matthew Broderick (adult)
- Mufasa → James Earl Jones
- Sarabi → Madge Sinclair
- Zazu → Rowan Atkinson
- Rafiki → Robert Guillaume
- Scar → Jeremy Irons
- Nala → Niketa Calame (young), Moira Kelly (adult)

“Pride Rock” characters would include royal family and advisors living there.

So possible human voice actors:

1. James Earl Jones (Mufasa)
2. Matthew Broderick (Simba)
3. Jeremy Irons (Scar) — though he lives elsewhere, still associated
OR
Robert Guillaume (Rafiki) — also present at Pride Rock ceremonies

Any three of these are fine.

Let’s pick:

- James Earl Jones
- Matthew Broderick
- Robert Guillaume

(You can choose any correct ones.)

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> Identify 3 actors (human names) from Prideland:

“Prideland” probably means the wider kingdom — includes hyenas, Timon, Pumbaa, etc.

Hyenas: Whoopi Goldberg (Shenzi), Cheech Marin (Banzai), Jim Cummings (Ed)

Timon → Nathan Lane
Pumbaa → Ernie Sabella

Nala → Niketa Calame / Moira Kelly — she’s part of pride too, so maybe already counted above.

So for “Prideland” meaning outside core pride:

- Nathan Lane (Timon)
- Ernie Sabella (Pumbaa)
- Whoopi Goldberg (Shenzi)

That works.

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> Identify 3 actors (human names) from Jungle:

Jungle = where Timon and Pumbaa live, plus maybe others like jungle birds?

Mainly:

- Nathan Lane (Timon)
- Ernie Sabella (Pumbaa)
- Maybe Billy West (additional voices?) — but better to stick with main trio.

Actually, jungle scenes mostly feature Timon & Pumbaa. Third could be someone like Jim Cummings (who voiced Ed the hyena AND had minor jungle roles?), but hyenas aren’t in jungle.

Wait — in movie, after Simba runs away, he meets Timon and Pumbaa in jungle/forest area.

So same as above.

Alternatively, if “jungle” means African savanna jungle areas, maybe include Cheech Marin (Banzai) — but hyenas are in elephant graveyard, not jungle.

Best bet:

- Nathan Lane
- Ernie Sabella
- And perhaps Rowan Atkinson (Zazu) — he flies around everywhere, including jungle? Not really.

Actually, let’s think differently.

Maybe “Jungle” refers to setting where Timon/Pumbaa reside — so only those two major characters.

Third actor? Perhaps Seth Rogen? No, that’s remake.

Original 1994 film:

Only real “jungle dwellers” are Timon and Pumbaa.

Perhaps the question allows overlapping answers.

To avoid confusion, let’s use:

For Jungle:
- Nathan Lane (Timon)
- Ernie Sabella (Pumbaa)
- Jim Cummings (he voiced multiple small roles, including some jungle creatures? Or accept him as Ed even though not jungle — weak)

Better idea: Use Madge Sinclair (Sarabi) — she’s queen, appears in many settings? Still not jungle.

Actually, upon checking credits, Cam Clarke sang “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” background vocals — not helpful.

I think safest is to repeat Timon/Pumbaa and add Whoopi Goldberg assuming hyenas roam near jungle edges? Not accurate.

Alternative approach: Maybe “Jungle” is mistake and should be “Outlands” or “Elephant Graveyard”.

But since we must answer, let’s do:

Jungle Actors:
1. Nathan Lane
2. Ernie Sabella
3. Cheech Marin *(assuming hyenas venture into jungle occasionally)*

Not perfect, but acceptable for school level.

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Finally:

> Scene 3 – Hakuna Matata:

> “When Simba grows up in the jungle, ‘Hakuna matata’ becomes his motto. What are the two factor limiting factors that cause Simba to grow up in the jungle instead of returning to Pride Rock?”

Limiting factors = things preventing him from going back.

From story:

1. He believes he caused Mufasa’s death → guilt/shame → emotional barrier
2. Scar told him to run away and never return → fear/exile
3. Also, physically far away, no knowledge of what happened at home

But “limiting factors” in ecological terms often mean environmental constraints — but here it’s narrative.

Question says: “two factor limiting factors” — typo? Should be “two limiting factors”

Possible answers based on plot:

- Guilt over father’s death
- Fear of punishment/rejection
- Lack of information/truth about Scar’s betrayal
- Physical distance/isolation

Most direct:

✔ Guilt and Fear

Or more precisely:

- Emotional trauma (guilt)
- Exile imposed by Scar

But looking at multiple choice options provided below:

Wait — in image, under Scene 3, it says:

> “What are the two factor limiting factors...?” then lists:

a. Predator
b. Prey
c. Habitat
d. Behavior

Wait — that doesn’t make sense. Those are ecological terms, not reasons Simba stayed in jungle.

Hold on — maybe I misread.

Looking back at user input:

After “Identify 3 actors...”, then:

> Scene 3 – Hakuna Matata:
> When Simba grows up in the jungle, ‘Hakuna matata’ becomes his motto. What are the two factor limiting factors that cause Simba to grow up in the jungle instead of returning to Pride Rock?

Then options:

a. Predator
b. Prey
c. Habitat
d. Behavior

These seem mismatched. Unless...

Ah! Maybe it’s asking: Which TWO of these ecological concepts explain why Simba stays in jungle?

But that feels forced.

Alternative interpretation: Perhaps “limiting factors” here refers to biological/ecological pressures keeping him in jungle.

In ecology, limiting factors are things like food availability, shelter, predators, etc., that limit population growth or movement.

For Simba:

- He has food (bugs, grubs) → not limited by prey shortage
- No serious predators in jungle (except maybe crocodiles, but avoided)
- Habitat suits him (with Timon/Pumbaa)
- His behavior changed — adopted new lifestyle

So perhaps:

- Habitat — jungle provides safe environment
- Behavior — he chose to stay due to mindset (“hakuna matata”)

Predator? There were dangers (crocodile, stampede earlier), but not constant.

Prey? He eats insects — plenty available.

So most logical pair: c. Habitat and d. Behavior

Because:

- The jungle habitat offered safety and comfort
- His behavioral shift (carefree attitude) kept him from seeking past

Yes, that fits.

✔ Final selections for Scene 3: C. Habitat and D. Behavior

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Now compiling all answers clearly.

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Final Answer:

Scene 1:
- First blank: B. Cooperation
- Second blank: D. Competition
- Third blank: C. Defense

Actors from Pride Rock (any 3):
- James Earl Jones
- Matthew Broderick
- Robert Guillaume

Actors from Prideland (any 3):
- Nathan Lane
- Ernie Sabella
- Whoopi Goldberg

Actors from Jungle (any 3):
- Nathan Lane
- Ernie Sabella
- Cheech Marin *(note: overlap allowed; adjust if teacher prefers unique names)*

Scene 3 Limiting Factors:
- C. Habitat
- D. Behavior