CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE All organisms change in order to help themselves better survive their environment  ADAPTATIONS!!

Animal Adaptations Animals inhabit a variety of places all over the world. Animals inhabit a variety of places all over the world. No!!!!  Each distinct type of animal possesses characteristics that enable it to live in a particular environment.

What are adaptations? Adaptations – an inherited characteristic that helps an organism to survive long enough to reproduce more successfully in its changing environment. Adaptations can either be structural or behavioral.

 An adaptation is a body part or behavior that helps an animal survive in a particular environment.  Adaptation can help an animal breathe, catch food, or hide.  All animals are adapted to live in certain habitats.  Animals that cannot adapt will die out  extinction.

Structural adaptations  A structural adaptation involves some part of an organism's body.  Examples:  Body coverings  Body parts  Markings/colors

Animal Defense  Some animals use these methods of defense to protect themselves:  Camouflage – the use of color to hide in one’s surroundings  Helps with hunting or protection from a predator -camouflage/  Mimicry – looking or sounding like another organism  Usually done to avoid predators  Mimics animals that are poisonous or have a bad taste  Bright colors – warning sign I’m the Monarch! I’m the Viceroy!

 Body Coverings – fur, scales, spines, feathers  Body Structures – teeth, beak shape, feet shape, fins, claws

Chemical defenses (like venom, ink, sprays) Physical adaptation Chemical defenses (like venom, ink, sprays)

Example of Adaptation  The shape of an animal’s teeth is related to its diet.  Herbivores, such as deer or cows, have many molars (flat teeth) for grinding tough grass and plants.  Carnivores, such as lions and wolves, have sharp canines to kill and tear meat.

2. The types of teeth Teeth of herbivores animals For cutting grass and plants Teeth of herbivores animals For cutting grass and plants Teeth of carnivores animal For tearing preys. Teeth of carnivores animal For tearing preys.

Colors of animals for camouflage, warning, attracting Colors of animals for camouflage, warning, attracting

Mimicry (looking or sounding like another living organism) The Viceroy butterfly uses mimicry to look like the Monarch butterfly. Can you tell them apart? Poisonous Not poisonous Physical adaptation I’m the Monarch! I’m the Viceroy!

If red touches yellow, deadly fellow. If red touches black, friendly jack.

Types of Structural Adaptations Body Structures Predator – Eyes facing forward to find prey. Prey – Eyes on the side of the head to see all around.

We have been looking at structural adaptations of animals - ADAPTATIONS ON THE BODY. But animals can also have behavioral adaptations. This type of adaptation cannot be seen on the body. Behavioral adaptations are the ways an organism reacts or behaves to help them survive their environment.

Behavioral Adaptations Ways an organism acts to help them survive in their environment. Examples: Migration, hibernation, warning calls, mating dances, hunting in packs.

© A. Weinberg We can divide Behavioral Adaptations into two groups: Instinctive Learned These behaviors happen naturally & don’t have to be learned. These behaviors must be taught.

© A. Weinberg Instinctive/ Innate behaviors Born with these – happen naturally & don’t need to be learned = Finding shelter Methods of gathering & storing food Defending oneself Raising young Hibernating Migrating

© A. Weinberg Learned behaviors Obtained by interacting with the environment – must be taught =

Behavioral Adaptations 1.Migration - seasonal or periodic movement of animals in response to changes in climate or food availability, or to ensure reproduction. Migration is movement from one area to another and then back again. Examples: geese, whales, salmon, Monarch butterflies

Migration  Animals migrate for different reasons:  better climate  better food  safe place to live  to reproduce  This is a behavioral adaptation that involves an animal or group of animals moving from one region to another and then back again.

Hibernation  Dormancy period in which animal’s body temperature drops & body activities are slowed to conserve energy.  E.g. Bats, woodchucks & bears.

Behavioral Adaptations 3. Living in a Group – more eyes in a group to watch out for prey or predator, protection Examples: fish, wildebeest, walruses, lions

Behavioral Adaptations 4. Use of Tools – any object manipulated by an animal in order to perform a specific task. (monkeys, otters, birds) 5. Playing Dead – By pretending that they are dead, some animals escape bodily harm. (snakes, possums)

Behavioral Adaptations 6. Calling – communication between animals 7. Threatening Gestures – scares off potential predators