Animal Adaptations How Do Animals Survive In The Wild?

1.Find food to grow 2.Defend against predators 3.Find mates for reproduction

An adaptation is a variation of structure or behavior that aids the organism’s survival in its particular environment.

 Physical adaptations— structural, coloration, chemical defenses  Physiological adaptation  Behavioral adaptation  Instincts and Learned behavior

Physical adaptations are body structures that allow an animal to find and consume food, defend itself, and to reproduce its species. Physical adaptations help an animal survive in its environment. Hey! I’m a walking stick. I look just like a stick you’d find on the ground.

Structural Adaptation

A body part that aids in survival Examples:  Fins  Gills  Teeth  Streamline body

How do different feet types aid in survival?

Structural Adaptation A body part that aids in survival Examples: Heron’s feet are for wading in mud Eagle’s feet for grabbing and holding prey Duck’s feet are for swimming Sparrow’s feet are for perching

Camouflage Protective Coloration Camouflage in which colors and patterns of organisms match the surrounds. This helps animals hide from predators.

Camouflage Protective Resemblance

Camouflage Protective Resemblance

Camouflage Protective Resemblance Camouflage in which shapes and colors of organisms match other objects in the surroundings. The milk snake (top) resembles the poisonous coral snake(bottom). The vice roy butterfly (top) resembles the sour-tasting monarch (bottom).

Protective Coloration Many animals only line of defense is their colors. The warning colors of red, yellow, orange, and bright blue warn others that these animals might be dangerous and should be avoided! These dart frogs are poisonous.

Chemical defenses (like venom, ink, sprays) Physical adaptation

The location and size of an animals eyes aid in its survival. Do all animals have their eyes in the same place? How does the location of the eyes in a horse aid in survival?

Why are an alligator’s eyes on top of its head?

Which animal is a predator? Which animal is prey? How does the placement of their eyes aid in their survival?

 Physical adaptations— structural, coloration, chemical defenses  Physiological adaptation  Behavioral adaptation  Instincts and Learned behavior

Physiological Adaptation

Jobs of the body parts controlling life process that aid in survival. A bear’s body slows down in the winter. This helps them survive the low winter temperature and scarce food during winter months. Many know this as hibernation. Most bears do not sleep through the entire winter. They do get up and change dens, so this is not true hibernation, but a winter sleep (denning).

Physiological Adaptation

Jobs of the body parts controlling life process that aid in survival. Dolphins are mammals and need to breath air. They spend their entire lives in the water and their body’s have adapted so that they can hold their breath for several minutes.

 Physical adaptations— structural, coloration, chemical defenses  Physiological adaptation  Behavioral adaptation  Instincts and Learned behavior

Behavioral Adaptation

An action that aids in survival Clown fish seek shelter from predators in sea anemones. Sea anemones are poisonous to other marine creatures.

Behavioral Adaptation

An action that aids in survival Lions stay together in a pride. As a group they can help each other hunt, care for young, and watch for danger.

 Physical adaptations— structural, coloration, chemical defenses  Physiological adaptation  Behavioral adaptation  Instincts and Learned behavior

We can divide Behavioral Adaptations into two groups: Instinctive Learned These behaviors happen naturally & don’t have to be learned. These behaviors must be taught.

I have learned to adapt to my new home.

I have learned to live in your backyard.

Learned Behavior Humans have destroyed many animal habitats. Many animals have learned to adapt to their new surroundings. They have found shelter, food, and learned how to stay away from moving vehicles (well most of the time).

Instinctive behaviors happen naturally & don’t need to be learned = Finding shelter Methods of gathering & storing food Defending oneself Raising young Hibernating Migrating