Environmental Science Adaptations Environmental Science
Adaptation Features that help an organism survive in a particular environment. There are 3 types Structural Behavioral Physiological
Structural Adaptations Physical structures on an organism that help it survive. Examples: Claws, spots, thumbs , beaks
Behavioral Adaptations Adaptations that affect how an organism acts Examples Migration Being nocturnal Following the sun
Physiological Adaptations The body process that help an organism survive Usually cannot be seen from the outside Examples: Pheromones, ink, spray
Adaptations for Each Biome
Desert Plants Animals Structural: Behavioral: Physiological: Succulents store water in stems/leaves Large root systems to get more water Behavioral: Flowers opening at night, when pollinators are more active Physiological: Sweet smelling fruit to attract pollinators Structural: Small size Fat storage in humps or tails Behavioral: Staying in the shade Burrow underground for shelter Nocturnal Physiological: Absence of sweat glands to prevent water loss
Grassland Plants Animals Structural: Behavioral: Physiological: Large strong root systems to get more water and protect from fire Thick bark to protect from fires Behavioral: Wind pollinated Physiological: Poisonous bitter tasting leaves Structural: Tan color to blend in Flat teeth Behavioral: Migration Reproduce during rainy season Burrowing Herding Physiological: Young have little to no smell when born
Tropical Rainforest Plants Animals Structural: Behavioral: Drip tips and waxy/smooth surfaces help water run off Collect rainwater in the center and absorb later Behavioral: Plants live on other plants Flowers on forest floor since there is no wind Physiological: Sweet smelling and colorful flowers/fruits to draw pollinators. Structural: Camouflage Strong beaks Tails for climbing Behavioral: Specialists Living only in trees Physiological: Toxic skin
Deciduous Forest Plants Animals Structural: Behavioral: Physiological: Thick bark to prevent against cold winters Broad leaves to capture sunlight Behavioral: Flowers grow on forest floor before, trees leaf out Going dormant during winter Physiological: Sweet smelling fruit and flowers Structural: Antlers Claws Teeth Behavioral: Lose winter coat during warm season Storing food for winter Migration/hibernation Physiological: Defense sprays Pheromones
Taiga (Coniferous Forest) Plants Animals Structural: Needle like leaves to prevent water loss and shed snow Branches droop downward Behavioral: Evergreen to save energy Physiological: Acidic needles to prevent plants from growing under the trees Structural: Insulating feathers/fur Behavioral: Migration/hibernation Physiological: Change in fur color
Tundra Plants Animals Structural: Behavioral: Physiological: Covered in hair to keep warm Behavioral: Flowers that follow sun to absorb seat Small to prevent freezing Grow in clumps to protect each other from wind and cold Physiological: Perform photosynthesis under snow Structural: Thick coats Small ears Large feet Behavioral: Migration/hibernation Physiological: Sprays
Marine/Fresh Water Plants Animals Structural: Behavioral: Flexible stems to al Behavioral: Plant leaves float at the top of the water to get more sunlight Physiological: Lack strong water transport system, instead everything is absorbed through the leaves Structural: Fins or webbed feat Gills Behavioral: Migration Physiological: Swim bladder to help with buoyancy