ADAPT TO FIT

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Adaptations

Animals and plants are adapted to their environment. They have characteristics that allow them to survive there. This makes them better able to compete for limited resources.

Different animals live in different habitats. For example, worms burrow underground, birds fly in the air, and fish swim underwater. Animals have certain characteristics that mean they are adapted to their environment.

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ADAPTATIONS OF A POLAR BEAR

fur on the soles of the feet better grip on ice and for insulation large body - gives a small surface area to volume ratio reduces heat losses large feet spreads the load on snow and ice sharp claws and teeth catching and eating prey small ears reduces heat losses strong legs for swimming and running helps them catch their prey thick layer of blubber - fat insulation and a store of energy thick layer of white fur insulation against the cold, and for camouflage

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ADAPTATIONS OF A CAMEL

large feet spreads the load on sand tolerant to high body temperatures does not need to sweat to keep cool, so conserving body water hump containing fat a store of energy without insulating the whole body bushy eyelashes and hair-lined nostrils that can close stops sand getting into the eyes and nose

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PREDATORS AND PREY ADAPTATIONS

Here are some adaptations that make animals successful predators:

  • built for speed
  • sharp teeth and claws
  • camouflage to avoid being seen by prey
  • eyes to the front of the head to judge size and distance well

Here are some adaptations that help animals avoid being caught as prey:

  • live in groups
  • built for speed
  • defences such as poison or stings
  • camouflage to avoid being seen by predators
  • eyes to the side of the head to get a wide field of view
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ADAPTATION OF A CACTUS

 Cacti are well adapted for survival in the hot, dry conditions of a desert. Their rounded shape gives them a small surface area to volume ratio, which reduces water losses. They also have:

  • a thick cuticle to reduce water losses
  • green stems which can store water and photosynthesise
  • widespread root systems, which can collect water from a large area
  • long spines instead of leaves, which reduce water losses and protect against animals that might eat the plant
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