1. ADAPTAION an inherited characteristic that increases survival and reproduction, the result of the evolutionary process and natural selection

2. What is an adaptation? A habitat is only populated by organisms that are adapted to survive there. Adaptations are special features or behaviours that make an organism particularly suited to its environment. Adaptations are a part of the evolutionary process. Adaptations increase an organism’s chance of survival and so increase its chance of reproducing.

3. Adaptations for COLD CLIMATES

4. How are polar bears adapted to life in an extremely cold climate? White fur acts as camouflage. Large feet to spread the body’s weight. The wide paws act as good paddles and snow shoes. How are polar bears adapted? Thick fur and a thick layer of body fat insulate from the cold. Small ears help to reduce heat loss.

5. Other adaptations that polar bears have evolved to cope with conditions in the harsh polar environment are: How are polar bears adapted? How are polar bears adapted? Skin is actually black to absorb any heat transmitted through the hairs. Greasy fur repels water and keeps the bear dry. Eyes have brown irises to reduce the glare from sunlight reflection. Body surface area is small compared to volume to reduce heat loss.

6. Adaptations for DRY CLIMATES

7. Curious camel facts Curious camel facts …camels have three stomachs....some camels live to over 40 years old. …some Bactrian camels can transport 450 kg. …archaeological finds show that they originated in North America. …Somalia is home to over 6 million camels! Camels are amazing creatures! Did you know that…

8. Wide feet for spreading body weight over soft shifting sand. How is a camel adapted to life in a very hot, dry climate? Fat is stored in the hump. There is no other body fat to prevent overheating. How are camels adapted? How are camels adapted? Brown coat for camouflage. Long, thin legs mean the body surface area is large compared to volume to increase heat loss. Loses little water through sweating or urine.

9. Nostrils can close when needed to protect the camel in sandstorms. How is a camel adapted? How is a camel adapted? Long eyelashes protect the eyes from sand and dust. A very varied diet, ranging from grass and bark to thorns and bones, is eaten. Ears are lined with fur to prevent sand and dust from getting in. Other adaptations that camels have evolved to cope with conditions in the harsh desert environment are:

10. Leaves are narrow spines that reduce water loss and protect from predators. Stores water in fleshy stem. How is a cactus adapted? How is a cactus adapted? Thick, waxy surface to reduce water loss. How is a cactus adapted to life in a very hot, dry climate? Plant surface area is small compared to volume to reduce water loss. Some have shallow, spreading roots for surface water, others have deep roots.

11. A very varied diet ranging from grass and bark to thorns and bones. Nostrils can closed when needed to protect the camel in sandstorms. How is a kangaroo rat adapted? How is a kangaroo rat adapted? Long tail for balance when hopping. Brown fur for camouflage and only goes out at night when it is much cooler. A kangaroo rat is a mammal that lives in dry desert habitats. How is this small animal adapted to this harsh environment? Large back feet to escape from predators allow it to hop 2 metres at a time! Most water comes from its diet of seeds. Does not sweat, or pant, to reduce water loss.