© Boardworks Ltd 20061 of 18. © Boardworks Ltd 20062 of 18

© Boardworks Ltd 20061 of 18



There are three major habitat types in the world.

land freshwater marine

How do organisms survive in such different habitats?

Different types of habitat


A habitat is only populated by organisms that are adapted to survive there.

Adaptations increase an organism’s chance of survival and so increase its chance of reproducing.

What is adaptation?

Adaptations are special features or behaviours that make an organism particularly suited to its environment. They are part of the evolutionary process.

Why is it important that living things are adapted to their environment?

Why is reproduction so important for all living species?



How are polar bears adapted to their extremely cold climate?

thick fur and body fat insulate from the cold

large, wide feet spread the body’s weight and act as good paddles and snow shoes

white greasy fur repels water and acts as camouflage

How are polar bears adapted?


Other adaptations that polar bears have evolved to cope with conditions in the harsh polar environment include:

eyes have brown irises to reduce the glare from the Sun’s reflection

small ears and small body surface area to volume ratio reduces heat loss

black skin is a good absorber of heat

More polar bears adaptations


camels have three stomachs

Camels are amazing creatures! Did you know that:

Curious camel facts

some camels live to over 40 years old

some Bactrian camels can transport 450 kg

archaeological finds show that camels originated in North America

Somalia is home to over six million camels!


wide feet spread out body weight on shifting sand

How is a camel adapted to life in a very hot, dry climate?

little water is lost through sweating or urination

long, thin legs help to increase body surface area and increase heat loss

fat is stored together in the hump to reduce overheating

How is a camel adapted?


nostrils can be closed for protection during sandstorms

very varied diet, ranging from grass and bark to thorns and bones.

long eyelashes and furry ears prevent sand and dust from getting in

What other adaptations have camels evolved to cope with the harsh desert environment?

More camel adaptations


leaves are narrow spines to reduce water loss and protect from predators

water stored in a fleshy stem, and a thick, waxy surface reduces water loss

How is a cactus adapted to life in a very hot, dry climate?

roots are either very deep, or shallow and widespread to catch surface water

How is a cactus adapted?


How is this shark adapted to an aquatic environment?

streamlined shape to reduce friction when moving through water

gills have a large surface area so that oxygen can be extracted from the surrounding water

silver colouring allows the fish to be camouflaged

Aquatic adaptations

fins provide stability, power and control


Plants can live in acid or waterlogged soils where there is little nitrate. Some plants have evolved a rather cunning adaptation to obtain the nutrients they need.

Hairs on the slippery inside of the plant are angled down to ensure that the victim cannot escape!

Pitcher plants have a large hollow filled with fluid that traps insects or other small organisms that may fall in.

The plant digests its victims to absorb the nitrates it needs!

Unusual plant adaptations



Glossary

adaptation – A special feature or behaviour that makes an organism particularly suited to its habitat.

cactus – A plant that is well adapted to a hot, dry habitat.

camel – An animal that is well adapted to a hot, dry habitat.

freshwater – A habitat consisting of rivers, lakes or streams.

habitat – The environment in which an organism lives.

marine – A saltwater habitat consisting of the seas or oceans.

polar bear – An animal that is well adapted to a very cold habitat.


Anagrams


Which adaptation?


Multiple-choice quiz

Documents

© Boardworks Ltd 20061 of 18. © Boardworks Ltd 20062 of 18