Adaptations of Plants & Animals

What is an adaptation? A special characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment Happens over a long period of time Based on Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution Common adaptations: hibernation, migration, and camouflage

Galapagos Finches Darwin’s Finches Darwin observed finches in the Galapagos were different from one island to another. Their beaks were different based on the food they ate.

Adaptations Behaviors Structures (Physical Features) migration, hibernation, dormancy camouflage, defense, food obtainment, locomotion, reproduction

Behavioral Adaptations- what an organism does to survive migration hibernation dormancy Seasonal movement from one place to another How does this aid in survival? Not only birds! To become inactive during the winter How does this aid in survival? Not only bears! The state in which a plant is alive but not actively growing. How does this aid in survival? Do all plants need this adaptation? Humpback whale Monarch Butterfly Garter Snake Queen Bumblebee

Structural Adaptations- features of an organism’s body that help it survive camouflage defense food obtainment Blending into surroundings How does this aid in survival? Protection from predators Cactus spines getting food for energy Goldenrod crab spider Sharp Teeth leopard Mimicry: Owl & Owl Butterfly Long neck Mutualism: Acacia Tree & Aggressive Ants beak

Structural Adaptations- features of an organism’s body that help it survive locomotion Reproductive success Allows an organism to move in its environment How does this aid in survival? Allows an organism to make more of its own kind Wings Identify at least one other structural adaptation of the bald eagle.

Now for the fun… Stand if you think the adaptation is behavioral Sit if you think it’s structural Write migration, locomotion, dormancy, camouflage, defense, food obtainment, reproduction on your whiteboard (if it applies) Some of these are meant to challenge you, so don’t get discouraged!

Bactrian Camel Uses humps as storage during long periods without water Misconception Alert!!! The camel does not store water in its humps. It stores fat in them. The fat can be converted to water and energy when needed. Why does the camel have such beautiful eyelashes?

Venus Fly Trap smell attracts insects, trigger hairs tell plant to close to capture insects Why? The Venus Fly Trap cannot get enough nitrogen from the boggy soil where it lives. As a result, it has adapted by eating insects and small animals to get nitrogen from the protein in those organisms.

Sea Turtle

The peacock Female Male

Skunk releases foul odor when danger is sensed

Tickle Me Plant Plays “dead” when touched

Viceroy Butterfly “Pretends” to be the Monarch Butterfly Why? The Monarch Butterfly is poisonous. The Viceroy Butterfly will ward off predators if they think it is the Monarch.

Opossum It’s tricky! This is for defense, but is behavioral!

Poison Dart Frog This animal’s bright coloration tells others not to eat it because it is poisonous. It’s not a trick either! The Poison Dart Frog is one of Earth’s most toxic species.

Elephant Ear Plant large leaves so it can grow in rainforest by gathering sun

Dandelion Lightweight seeds

Red Crab of Christmas Island (Australia) Moves west across island at the beginning of wet season to breed

Arctic Tern Flies from Greenland and the Arctic to Antarctica each year

Octopus

How are these organisms adapted for survival in their environments?

Compare & Contrast Both of these organisms live in a pond ecosystem Compare & Contrast Both of these organisms live in a pond ecosystem. Name the structures that help each get oxygen from the environment.

Compare & Contrast How are the function of the snail’s shell and the skunk’s musk spray similar? Different?