1. Adaptations of Plants & Animals

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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!

9. 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?

10. 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.

11. Sea Turtle

12. The peacock
Female
Male

13. Skunk releases foul odor when danger is sensed

14. Tickle Me Plant Plays “dead” when touched

15. 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.

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

17. 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.

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

19. Dandelion Lightweight seeds

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

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

22. Octopus

23. How are these organisms adapted for survival in their environments?

24. 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.

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