Survival in an Ecosystem

Adaptations A physical or behavioral characteristic that enables an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Physical Adaptations All animals live in habitats. Habitats provide food, water, and shelter which animals need to survive, but there is more to survival than just the habitat. Animals also depend on their physical features to help them obtain food, keep safe, build homes, withstand weather, and attract mates.

Protection Stickers on plants such as cactus or roses Camouflage abilities and bright colors to warn predators Poisonous plants and animals Bad taste and/or scent

Food Gathering Carnivores or omnivores with sharp teeth Herbivores with jaws and teeth for gathering and chewing vegetation Long necks on giraffes to reach high leaves

Locomotion Long arms, legs and tail on a monkey Webbed feet on ducks and other aquatic birds Fins on fish Suction cups on frogs’ feet

Reproduction Size of animal; largest male in the herd Coloring Brightly colored plants to attract insects Markings allow members of the same species to recognize each other Scent

Camouflage The ability of an animal to blend with its surroundings for protection

Symbiosis A relationship between different types of organisms over time

Reptile Adaptations breathe through lungs, have an internal skeleton with a central backbone (vertebrate) are cold-blooded (body temperature is directly related to its surroundings).

Instinct An inherited behavior in an organism

Learned behavior Those that are acquired through experience and not inherited from parents

Animal Adaptations