1. The Structure and Function of Adaptations
7.12 A investigate and explain how internal structures of organisms have adaptations that allow specific functions, such as gills in fish, hollow bones in birds, or xylem in plants

2. Why adapt?
An adaptation is a body part (structure) or behavior, or other trait 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.

3. Example of Adaptation The shape of
an animal’s teeth depends on its diet.
Herbivores, such as deer, have many molars for chewing tough grass and plants.
Carnivores, such as lions, have sharp canines to kill and tear meat.
is the link for this slide

4. Who experiences adaptations?
All species of organisms (including all plants and animals) have adaptations and will continue to slowly adapt as the next generations are born.
Adaptations have different jobs (functions) in each organism, and we will discuss how the following adaptations and others help organisms survive.
Birds Fish Plants
Hollow Bones Gills Xylem

5. Birds Hollow bones Leg Length Foot Webbing Beak Shape
helps make flight possible
Leg Length
walking in deep water
landing on tree branches
Foot Webbing
swimming
Beak Shape
reaching food (small bugs)
cracking shells (nuts)
is the link for this slide. It explains why birds’ bones are hollow.

6. Fish Gas exchange in gills Fins for locomotion
Gas exchange in gills
Fins for locomotion
Ability to survive in salt or fresh water
is the link for this slide. It helps explain fish respiration.

7. Plants Photosynthesis
Roots, branches, leaves, fruit, and seeds adapt differently for different plants
Xylem – tissue that forms structures that carry water throughout the plant
is the first link. Youtube video for xylem.
is the second link. Excellent image of xylem.

8. Resources
This PowerPoint is partially adapted from Ms. Weinberg. The original PowerPoint can be viewed at
It is also partially adapted from an animal adaptation powerpoint created by City of Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History the original can be viewed at
All images are either Microsoft Clipart or from the websites cited adjacent to each image.