Animal Adaptations

Adaptation A characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment or reproduce. An animal must respond to its environment to get food, water, and oxygen. Adaptations allow animals to find food and water or escape danger.

African Hedgehog Rolls into a ball with spines on top to protect itself from danger.

The American Alligator Has a 3rd, sideways, eyelid to protect its eyes, but also allows it to see underwater.

Lions Have manes to look bigger and protect their throat. Their eyes are in front for depth perception. They are heavily muscled for capturing prey They have strong paws with long, retractile claws to grab and hold their prey. Their rough tongue peels skin off prey animal’s flesh. Their lose belly skin protects them from the kick of their prey.

Koala Koalas have a large gap between their first and second finger for gripping branches.

Sea Otters Have fur that traps air for warmth and buoyancy. Oil spills damage fur, and the otter becomes cold and may die.

Burmese Python Has loosely hinged jaws, for swallowing larger prey.

South American Burrowing Bullfrog Has toothlike projections in lower jaw to restrain prey.

California King Snake Immune to the venom of rattlesnakes

Beaver Have valves on their nose and ears for travel underwater. Their tails function as rudders.

Giraffe Has a long neck to they can eat from the highest treetops.

Wallaroo The wallaroo has furry pads on its feet to prevent injuries while rock-climbing.

Polar Bears Have big feet to distribute weight for walking on ice. Also have hallow hairs to trap air for insulation.

Platypus Closes its eyes underwater, but can still see. Has 2 layers of fur, one never gets wet!

Squirrel Monkey Lives in groups for protection.

Mountain Goat Have thick fur and fat to live in the cold mountain tops. Have thick skin on their backside, protects their rear ends from attacks by other goats.

Gila Monster Gila Monsters are nocturnal-active at night, when its cooler. They also hibernate during the cold winter months with little food.

Snow Leopard Furry feet help snow leopards stay on top of the snow by providing a greater surface area -- like snow shoes. The fur keeps snow leopard paws warm and dry, and provides some snow-traction too

Canada Lynx Also has large paws to act like snow shoes.

Flying Fox Flying foxes have a long bristly tongue that's great for lapping up juicy fruity food. Male flying foxes get a girl's attention by singing loudly and flashing bunches of hair on their backs!

Questions to Ponder How are we adapted to our environment? How is your favorite animal adapted to its environment? Is being brightly colored and adaptation?