Lesson Two

Lesson Two

Giant Squid and Unicorn

 

Giant Squid

The largest invertebrate known to Muggle science, the giant squid can grow to 70 feet. Speaking more specifically, at least one giant squid lives in the lake near Hogwarts castle, and seems to be more or less friendly toward the inhabitants.The students will visit the lake and observe the giant squid

Feeding

Recent studies showed that giant squid feed on deep-sea fish and other squid species.They catch prey using the two tentacles, gripping it with serrated sucker rings on the ends. Then they bring it toward the powerful beak, and shred it with the radula (tongue with small, file-like teeth) before it reaches the esophagus. They are believed to be solitary hunters, as only individual giant squid have been caught in fishing nets. Although the majority of giant squid caught by trawl in New Zealand waters have been associated with the local hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) fishery, hoki do not feature in the squid's diet. This suggests giant squid and hoki prey on the same animals.

Unicorn

The unicorn is a white, equine creature with a single horn on its forehead.

Physiology and life cycle

Unicorn foals are pure gold, and turn silver when they are about two years old. They grow their horn at around four. At about seven years old, they are fully grown and turn a shade of white that is so bright it makes snow look grey in comparison. Their hooves are golden, and their blood is silver-blue in colour and shines under the moonlight.

Distribution

Unicorns inhabit the forests of Europe including the Forbidden Forest by Hogwarts.

Interaction with humans

Unicorns prefer a woman's touch, but the young ones are more trusting and do not mind men as much. Unicorns are also so fleet-of-hoof that they can rarely be caught by humans

Uses

Various parts of the Unicorn - the horn and tail hair in particular - are used in potions and for the cores of wands, respectively. Also, the tail and mane hair and the horn can be used in various potions, as Harry tells Firenze after seeing Voldemort drink the unicorn blood in the Forbidden Forest. The tail hair can also be used as binding in bandages due to its incredible strength.
The unicorn's single straight horn is used, in runic, to symbolise the number one.

Class Field Activity:The students will visit the Giant Squid and Unicorns.They will study these wonderful creatures.