Animal Adaptations

Animal Adaptations

Adaptation Mimicry An adaptation in which an animal is protected against predators by its resemblance to another, unpleasant animal. Adaptation A characteristic that helps an organism to survive in its environment.

What is an adaptation? Adaptation A characteristic that helps an organism to survive in its environment.

Physical Adaptations Physical Adaptations are adjustments to internal or external structures (fur color, long limbs, strong jaws, etc.)

Physical Adaptations Whale and dolphins can hold their breath for long periods of time. Other aquatic animals breathe using gills.

Physical Adaptations Reptiles have dry, scaly, waterproof skin. This helps them survive on land and in dry environments.

Physical Adaptations Birds have hollow, light weight bones to help them fly. Birds that do not fly have other traits to help them adapt.

Physical Adaptations Some mammals have thick hair to keep them warm.

Physical Adaptations Kangaroos have pouches to carry their young in. When marsupials have babies the offspring is not fully developed and they carry the baby in the pouch until it fully develops.

Physical Adaptations The duck billed platypus and the spiny anteater produce milk to feed their young.

Behavioral Adaptations Behavioral Adaptations are adjustments to an organism’s behavior (find food, defend themselves, etc.)

Behavioral Adaptations Wolves travel in packs to allow them to hunt large prey they may not be able to kill along.

Behavioral Adaptations Fish swim in school to protect them from predators.

Behavioral Adaptations Aardvarks stay in burrows during the day and only come out at night to hunt for food to avoid the heat. (nocturnal)

Behavioral Adaptations Reptiles must “sun” to maintain their body temperature since they are cold blooded.

Physical Adaptations Male peacocks have tall feathers to display to attract a mate.

Physical Adaptations Crickets chip by rubbing their wings together to attract mates.

Physical Adaptations Female alligators carry their young to the water to care for them for several weeks.

Instincts An instinct is an inherited behavior that is not learned but done automatically. A newborn puppy can find its way to their mother. They are not taught to do this; it is instinct for them (automatic).

What are adaptations to climate? Adaptations differ depending on the environment. Animals that live in frozen areas near the earth’s poles do not have the same adaptations of animals who live in deserts. Animals in colder climates must be able to reduce heat loss. Animals in deserts and hot climates must be able to get rid of excess heat. Animals that live in colder areas have insulation (a material that does not conduct heat), blubber (thick layer of body fat), and fur that traps heat (in birds it is feathers). Fennec’s, a kind of fox, have big ears to allow the heat to escape. Camels have humps made of fat to store food and water when they are scarce.

What are adaptations to climate? Behavioral adaptations also help some animals survive extreme weather. Penguins huddle together for protection for the extreme cold.

What are adaptations to climate? Behavioral adaptations also help some animals survive season changes. Many animals such as birds, butterflies, and fish migrate. Organisms migrate for season change, food availability, and loss of habitat. Some animals such as bats, snakes, turtles, and frogs hibernate in periods of inactivity during the cold. During hibernation, animals live on previously stored energy.

What adaptations do predators and prey have? How Prey Escape Some adaptations help animals defend themselves. When pill bugs feel threatened, they roll into a tight ball as a defense mechanism. The hognose snake will also play dead and even let off a rotting smell to avoid predators. Some animals use chemicals to escape predators. When skunks feel threatened, they spray a bad-smelling liquid. Some snakes and lizards have poison glands in their jaws. The bite can hurt or kill the predator. Some prey animals, such as gazelles can run up to 49.7 mph to escape predators. The Virginia opossum will pretend to play dead to avoid predators.

What adaptations do predators and prey have? How Predators Catch Prey? Some adaptations help predators catch more prey. Woodpecker finches use a twig or cactus spine to remove insects from deep within trees. Anteaters have long tongues that are covered with tiny spikes and sticky saliva to pick up ants. See adaptations for owls on page 116.

Camouflage Some animals survive by blending in. Camouflage An adaptation in which an animal protects itself against predators by blending in with the environment. Camouflage predators can sneak up on prey and prey with camouflage can hide from predators.

Protective Coloration Protective Coloration A type of camouflage in which the color of an animal blends in with its background, protecting the animal against predators. In the winter, the arctic fox has a white coat to blend in with the snow. In the spring time, they fox’s coat changes colors to blend in with the plants that grow in warm weather.

Protective Resemblance A type of camouflage which the color AND shape of an animal blends in with its background, protecting it against predators. The walking stick insect resembles a stick or small branch.

Mimicry An adaptation in which an animal is protected against predators by its resemblance to another, unpleasant animal. The viceroy butterfly is protected from predators because it looks like the bad-tasting, poisonous monarch butterfly. Robber Fly and Bumblebee Coral Snake and King Snake

Review Physical and behavioral adaptations help animals survive in environments. Adaptations to climate can help animals survive extreme temperatures. Adaptations that allow organisms to avoid predation include camouflage and mimicry.

Presentation Poster Activity • Pick 1 animal • ANIMAL NAME • Where does it live? • Important information • List Physical and Behavioral Adaptations

Animal Adaptations