1. Environmental Science
Adaptations
Environmental Science

2. Adaptation
Features that help an organism survive in a particular environment.
There are 3 types
Structural
Behavioral
Physiological

3. Structural Adaptations
Physical structures on an organism that help it survive.
Examples:
Claws, spots, thumbs , beaks

4. Behavioral Adaptations
Adaptations that affect how an organism acts
Examples
Migration
Being nocturnal
Following the sun

5. Physiological Adaptations
The body process that help an organism survive
Usually cannot be seen from the outside
Examples:
Pheromones, ink, spray

6. Adaptations for Each Biome

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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