Adaptations in Nature

1. Investigation 8: Adaptation What does the word Adaptation mean to you? Include examples of adaptations.

2. CAMOUFLAGE Look closely at the picture. Add your ideas to these questions to your journal entry today: *Why is the moth so hard to see in this picture? *What benefit does the moth get from its camouflage pattern? *How do you think the moth came to be camouflaged to blend into its surroundings?

3. Adaptation • Any structure or behavior of an organism that increases its chances of surviving and reproducing is an adaptation. • The moth’s pattern is an adaptation that allows it to blend into its surroundings, improving its chances of survival.

4. Octopus Video 1. What did you observe the octopus doing? The octopus changed color. 2. What benefit does the octopus get from its ability to change color? The octopus can hide better from predators and not be seen as easily by its prey. 3. How are the moth & the octopus similar? The moth and octopus can both blend in to their environment. 4. How are the moth & the octopus different in their use of camouflage? The octopus has the ability to change its color. The moth cannot change its color. 5. What adaptation does the octopus have that allows it to survive better in its environment? The octopus has the ability to change its color.

5. What is an example of an adaptation of the milkweed bug? What about an adaptation of this turtle?

6. Adaptation Cards • Discuss with your partner what adaptations the organism on your card might have. How would these adaptations help the organism to survive to reproduce? • 2) Write on a whiteboard the name of your organism and its adaptations. Be prepared to share how the adaptations help the organism to survive and reproduce. • 3) Listen to the other people in your group share about • their organism and adaptations. Be prepared to tell the • class about the adaptations of the organisms from the • other people in your group.