Animal and Plant Adaptations

What is an adaptation? An adaptation is a change in an animal’s physical structure or behavior that helps an animal to survive in their habitat. Examples: The shape of a bird’s beak, number of fingers and toes, or the color of an animal’s fur. Physical adaptations do not develop during one lifetime, but over many generations. Chapter 4 Lesson 1 How do Adaptations help Animals and Plants Survive p.88-91

Example of Adaptations The shape of an animal’s teeth is related to its diet. Herbivores, such as deer, have many molars for chewing tough grass and plants. Carnivores, such as lions, have sharp canines to kill and tear meat.

Who experiences adaptations? All species have experienced adaptation and will continue to slowly adapt as the next generations are born. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEDxThDINgQ&list=PL66B852DC555EDBB1

Animal Defense Some animals use these methods of defense to protect themselves: Camouflage Snake Mimicry Mexican Milk Snake Bright colors Skunk and Poison Arrow Frog “Hair” projections Hedgehog quills Deer Antlers

Camouflage: http://www.brainpop.com/science/ecologyandbehavior/camouflage/

Adaptation Games Animal Adaptations Game Harcourt animal adaptation game

Mammals Endothermic or warm-blooded All have some type of “hair” Some are very specialized, such as white polar bear fur Method of locomotion Care for young

Birds Leg Length Foot Webbing Beak Shape Roseate Spoonbill (top right) Laughing Gull (top left) Beak Shape Long Billed Curlew (bottom)

Reptiles Ectothermic or cold- blooded Scales Some undergo hibernation and estivation Lay eggs on land Leg structure and position

Amphibians Ectothermic Lay eggs in water Partially of fully webbed feet Have lungs or can absorb oxygen through their skin

Adaptation Applications: Lions Why are the eyes of a lion set in front of the head rather than on the sides? Answer: Eyes in front of the head allow for depth perception and ability to judge distances when hunting.

Adaptation Applications: Lions What is the purpose of the mane on a male lion? What is the reason for the lion’s color? A thick mane helps the male to appear larger and serves as protection for the throat. The tawny brown coat color camouflages the animal and young among vegetation.

Adaptation Applications: Giraffe Why are giraffes able to go for long periods of time without water? Answer: Giraffes drink water when available, but can go weeks without it. They rely on morning dew and the water content of their food.

Adaptation Applications: Giraffe How are their long necks adapted to their lifestyle? Answer: This extra length is thought to have evolved to help the giraffe spot predators and other giraffes in the distance. Interestingly, giraffes and humans have the same number of vertebrate in their necks.

Adaptation Applications: Zebras How do zebras defend themselves? Capable of running up to 40 mph. Zebras defend themselves by kicking and biting. Coloration also plays a role in evading predators, although theories have not reached an agreement.

Why do animals hibernate? What is hibernation? Why do animals hibernate? This is a very special kind of deep sleep It is brought on by short day lengths, cold temperatures and food shortages It is a survival strategy Dropping into a deep hibernation means animals are using less energy Food is scarce Animals miss the cold seasons Chapter 4 Lesson 2 How Are Animals Adapted to Their Environment? p.92-97

How do animals prepare for hibernation? They try to put on as much fat as possible because they wont be eating much during the winter This is called brown fat, which is found across the back and shoulders, close to an animal’s organs Brown fat works hard to deliver quick energy to an animal coming out of hibernation

Can you think of any animals that hibernate? Bear hedgehog Ladybird Snake Squirrels Bats

Recap How do animals prepare for winter? What is hibernation and why do animals hibernate? Identify some animals that hibernate What are some dangers of hibernation?

How are plants adapted to their environment? Each biomes plant adaptations Chapter4 Lesson 3 How are plants adapted to Their Environments

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