How are animals adapted to live in polar regions? Science Grade 3
LO: to explain how animals have adapted to live in polar regions
Starter Imagine it is a cold day. What clothes do you wear? Why would not we find a camel in these places?
Animals do not wear clothes, so how can they survive in a very cold place? Animals have adapted to their habitat. This means they have developed features that help them to survive where they live.
Polar bear have adapted to live in the very cold polar regions of the Arctic.
Some penguins live in the polar regions of Antarctica. They need to keep warm. They also need to swim very well to catch fish. Penguins are flightless birds, but are excellent swimmers. How are penguins adapted so they can swim fast? Penguins have webbed feet for powerful swimming. Their wings, shaped like flippers, also help them "fly" underwater. What is the job of penguins feathers? Penguins’ tightly packed feathers overlap to provide waterproofing and warmth.
How do penguins keep warm? They have thick skin and lots of fat (blubber) under their skin to keep warm in cold weather. They also huddle together with their friends to keep warm. The dark coloured feathers of a penguin's back surface absorb heat from the sun, so helping them to warm up too.
Independent work Group 1 and 2 – work on your own Group 3 – work with your teacher – see next slides
Polar bears have adapted to live in the very cold polar regions of the Arctic. How does each adaptation help the polar bear? Write the correct number in each box:
How does each adaptation help the penguin? Tick the correct box in the table.
Plenary Name two adaptations that help animals to live in the very cold polar regions.