ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTATIONS

1)Woodland river Q: What adaptations are necessary for an organism to survive successfully in this environment?

Murky coloring to blend with water; camouflage Minimal Sunlight ~ Canopy of trees & foliage Survive in Water & on Land Herbivore/Omnivore

2)Haystack Rock, Oregon Coast Q: What adaptations are necessary for an organism to survive successfully in this environment?

Able to survive for periods underwater and in air Ability to adjust to differing salt levels (Salinity) Temperature variations Burrowing to avoid low tide predators Rigid shell to protect from predators

3)Savannah Salt Marsh Q: What adaptations are necessary for an organism to survive successfully in this environment?

Inconsistent levels of saltiness in the water require organisms to adjust Incoming and outgoing tide movement requires specialized roots for plants Plants need mechanism for getting rid of salt (poisonous to plants) Buffer the area provides between river and ocean allows organisms to use it as a “nursery”

4) Mountains Q:What adaptations are necessary for an organism to survive successfully in this environment?

Larger lungs to counteract low oxygen levels in the air Large feet and tails for balance Evergreen plants to take advantage of short growing season Low growing plants for protection from winds and snow pack

5)Prairie Q:What adaptations are necessary for an organism to survive successfully in this environment?

Animals have broad, flat-topped teeth and digestive systems especially adapted to feed on grasses. Short, powerful front legs and paws that allow for burrowing Color blends with grasses Some plants germinate only with fire, which is common on prairies

6)Desert Q:What adaptations are necessary for an organism to survive successfully in this environment?

Nocturnal to avoid desert heat Plants and organisms store water Large ears to dissipate heat Plants slow growing in intense hot/dry seasons

7)List adaptations of this organism. What type of environment has it adapted to?

Ponds, lakes, streams Fur that repels water Large teeth to take down trees Nose and eyes near top of head to allow easy view and breathing while swimming Tail that works like an oar or paddle

8)List adaptations of this organism. What type of environment has it adapted to?

Ponds, lake and estuary shorelines Long legs for wading into water Thin legs to move through water without creating a wake Long beak and neck to quickly spear prey Coloring blends with water Large wings to enable gliding….less movement to distract prey

9)List adaptations of this organism. What type of environment has it adapted to?

Extreme cold, heavy snow, periods of little sunlight Narrow tree downward angle of limbs shed snow w/o breaking branches Evergreen to take advantage of times of low sunlight Leaf shape and waxy coating to protect against dehydration Heavy sap content to allow the tree flexibility in wind, cold and weight of snow

10)List adaptations of this organism. What type of environment has it adapted to?

Dry grasslands, rocky areas Scales to protect against dehydration Coloring to blend with environment Jaw which unhinges to swallow large prey Pockets in jaw to “house” fangs Venom to disable prey Rattle to warn predators

11)List adaptations of this organism. What type of environment has it adapted to?

Rugged terrain Hoofs flexible (like rubber) to climb rocks Sturdy leg and hip joints to avoid injury from steep drops while descending Fur for warmth Eyes on either side of head for maximum peripheral vision to see predators Horns for protection from predators

Bird’s EYE View

12)List adaptations of this organism. What type of environment has it adapted to?

Dark water No coloring because it lives in a dark environment (cave) No eyes because it lives in a dark environment Gills to absorb oxygen from the water Fins to propel through water Streamlined body shape to move efficiently through water

10 Minute Field Trip 1) Find two plant and two animal organisms 2) Describe the physical characteristics of each of the organisms (these are adaptations!) 3) Sketch your organisms 4) Describe the purpose of two of the adaptations/physical characteristics of your organisms

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