1. Adaptation & Survival
Chapter 2 Lesson 2
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2. What is adaptation?
Survival is a constant struggle within an ecosystem
An adaptation is any characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment
Organisms with successful adaptations are more likely to survive than other organisms

3. What is adaptation? Behavioral Adaptation Structural Adaptations
Adjustments to internal or external physical structures- fur color, long limbs, strong jaws, and the ability to run fast
Can help organisms survive in certain environments-ducks webbed feet, snakes having scales to help prevent water loss in dry environment
Can protect the organism or enable it to hunt more successfully- turtle’s hard shell, sharks sense of smell and sharp teeth
An adjustment in an organisms behavior- pack of wolves
Some help animals survive seasonal changes in the climate- migration is a movement of animals to find food, reproduce in better conditions, or find a less severe climate (birds, butterflies, manatees
Hibernation is a period of inactivity during cold weather (bears, bats, snakes, and frogs)

4. Plant Adaptations
Many plants have adapted in order for their survival in specific environments
Rain forest plants have adapted to survive wet, hot temperatures
Cacti lives in a hot and dry environment so they have thick, waxy stems that prevent water loss. The needles also keep predators from eating them
Some plants have chemicals that protect them from being eaten. The animal does not like the taste so it will leave it alone.

5. What are some animal adaptations?
Animals have adaptations that help them survive environments as well
Mammals have thick fur that help them live in colder climates and extra body fat to keep them warm.
Desert animals are nocturnal, or active at night which is cooler than during the day.
Water animals have gills, fins, and smooth skin. Water mammals have lungs, but can hold their breathe for long periods of time
Gazelles can protect themselves from being eaten because of their ability to run up to 80 km/hr
Skunks spray a bad-smelling liquid when feel threatened

6. What are some animal adaptations?
Camouflage- Some organisms can blend into their environment
Helps animals sneak up on other organisms when hunting. It also helps hide organisms that are being hunted
Protective Coloration- camouflage in which he color of an animal helps it blend in with its background
Protective Resemblance- matching the color, shape, and texture of the environment
Mimicry- an adaptation in which an animal resembles an unpleasant animal
This tricks the hunter and saves the organism that is using mimicry.
Example: King Snake mimics the poisonous Coral Snake
(Red touches yellow=kills a fellow {Coral Snake} Red touches black=venom lacks {King Snake}