1. Adaptations for Survival
Science 7
Section 5.3

2. What Are Adaptations?
Each ecosystem has factors that make it different from other ecosystems.
Arctic ecosystems are cold and icy. Dessert ecosystems are dry and hot.
Can you think of any other ecosystems that include different factors than the ones mentioned above?

3. What Are Adaptations?
In order for plants and animals to survive in different ecosystems, they have developed special structures and behaviors called adaptations.
Some examples of adaptations are coming up next! Try to think of some silently on your own.

4. Changing Colour
The chameleon has developed a special adaptation that allows it to change colour to suit its environment.
How does colour change help the chameleon catch insects?
How does it protect the chameleon from predators?
Can you think of other animals that use colour change to help it survive in an ecosystem?

5. Bright Colours
The Monarch butterfly has developed 2 adaptations that are connected.
1. It produces a chemical that gives it a bitter taste that birds hate.
2. It’s bright colours warn and remind birds of it bitter taste
Do you think these adaptations make every monarch safe from birds?
Can you think of other animals with similar adaptations?

6. Other Disguises
Many plants use strong smells or bright colours to attract insects such as the Stapelia Plant.
Why would plants want to attract insects?

7. Activity: Rat Island
Each group will be designated an island. You must design a rat which has adapted to the conditions of the island. I want your group to draw a picture of the rat with its adaptations and explain how each adaption allows the rat to survive. Each group will briefly present their rats to the class.

8. Island A
The island is fairly flat, with an occasional hill. The ground is soft dirt, and several species of shrubs grow towards the center of the island. There is no animal life on land; but the water is full with fish. The island is surrounded by a coral reef which keeps the predators out. The shore is sandy with no algae growing. Fresh water is available.

9. Island B
The island has a rocky shoreline. There are numerous tide pools along the island. The tide pools have barnacles, sea urchins and crabs. Algae grows all around the island. The current is quite strong along the rocks where the algae grows best. Fresh water is available.

10. Island C
The island is somewhat barren. A few species of cactus live on the bare rocks. A large cactus-eating tortoise is on the island. A species of a very large bird nests on the island every spring. They build their nests on the rocks, and protect their eggs from the sun by standing over the nests with outspread wings. The nests are always found on the windy side of the island which gets very cold in the spring.

11. Island D
The island is an extinct volcano. There is plant life on the island and it changes as you move up the volcano. Grasses grow at the base. Further up the slope there are shrubs. Half way up, the island has tropical plants and trees. At this spot, the island experiences frequent rain showers. There is one species of bird that live on the island. It can only see dull colors and does not move off the ground.