This document discusses adaptations that allow organisms to survive in their environments. It defines adaptations as characteristics that improve an organism's chance of survival. Adaptations can be structural, like body size or shape; behavioral, such as being nocturnal; or physiological, like hibernation. Examples are given of structural adaptations like sharp teeth in carnivores or thick fur in arctic foxes that protect against cold. Behavioral adaptations include animals moving in groups for protection. Physiological adaptations include ways organisms regulate internal functions. Specific habitat adaptations are described for kangaroos, orcas, tigers, orangutans, cacti, and aquatic plants.

1. Adaptations
Plant & Animal

2. Definition
Characteristics that give an organism a
better chance of survival.
Special traits that help living organisms
survive in a particular environment.

3. Reasons for adaptations
To suit their habitat
For protection
For attack
For feeding
For movement

4. Types of adaptations
Structural – external characteristics
size and shape
Feet, eyes, bills, skin
Behavioral - differing ways of reacting
to the environment
Nocturnal
Arboreal
Burrowing

5. Types of adaptations
Physiological - internal characteristics
Hibernation
Rumination
Endothermic

6. Examples
Sharp teeth and claws for carnivores
Flat teeth for grinding and chewing
Moving in large groups is a behavioral
adaptation; it helps protect the
members of the group from predators.
The thick fur coat of an arctic fox is a
structural adaptation. It helps protect it
against the cold weather.

7. Examples
Camouflage
Mimicry

8. http://152.2.81.1/parkproject/harp/Courses/Animal_adaptations_page.html

9. http://152.2.81.1/parkproject/harp/Courses/Animal_adaptations_page.html

10. Habitat: Dry inland Australia, including
deserts and grasslands
Adaptations: It is able to go with out
drinking as long as green grass is
available and it adapts well to drought.
They can hop as fast as 40 mph (64
km). They use this as their first line of
defense. Kangaroos have a tendon in
the leg which acts like a rubber band,
conserving energy as the animal
moves.
The tail serves as a balance when the
animal leaps and as a prop when it
stands.

11. Habitat: Frigid seas
Adaptations: Black and
white colors. These colors
help camouflage them.
Their blowhole is at the top
of their head. This enables
them to come up and
breathe more easily.
Blubber keeps them warm
in the frigid seas.
Orcas are the fastest
mammals in the sea. They
can go up to 34 mph. Their
speed helps them catch
their prey.

12. Habitat: Wet, humid and hot
jungles as well as icy cold forests
Adaptations: A tiger's hindlimbs
are longer than the forelimbs, an
for jumping.
The forelimbs and shoulders are
well-muscled, and the forelegs can
twist inward, enabling the tiger to
grab and hold large prey.
The underside of the paws have
soft pads which allow tigers to
quietly stalk their prey.

13. Habitat: Tropical secondary forest
Adaptations: Opposable thumb
enables manipulation of objects;
big toe also opposable for
grasping.
Large and powerful arms used to
break stalks or uproot vegetation
while foraging.
High intelligence probably an
adaptation for finding scarce or
isolated fruit plants in the rain
forest.

14. Habitat: Dry deserts
Adaptations:
The spines serve a number of
purposes in addition to protection
from hungry and thirsty animals.
They provide shade, serve as a
windbreak to prevent dehydration
from dry winds, and help trap warm
air close to the plant.
The root systems of cacti are very
close to the surface of the soil,
making it possible for them to take
advantage of the slightest rain
shower.

15. Habitat: Underwater
Adaptations: Little or no
mechanical strengthening tissue in
stems. If these plants are removed
from the water, they hang limply.
They are normally supported by
water all around them and so have
no need of mechanical
strengthening.
Air-filled cavities often extend
throughout the leaves and stems of
aquatic plants, providing an internal
atmosphere.