Adaptation
A change in a species that helps
it to survive and reproduce in its
environment (habitat)
Adaptations arise from Variations
– slight differences in inherited
traits among individual members
of a species
Habitat - The immediate
space where an animal or
plant lives and has food,
water, and protection
Types of Adaptations
Structural – a physical trait or
feature that is beneficial
Behavioral – a behavior or
action that increases survival
Functional – a biochemical
change that increases survival
Structural Adaptations
changes in physical features like
shape, internal structure, or color
that make an animal more suited
to survive in its environment
Examples:
Webbed feet & fins for swimming
sharp beak & teeth for tearing
flesh
frog & alligator eyes on the top of
head for stalking prey in water
Camouflage - An adaptation in coloration or pattern that allows an organism to blend into its environment
Mimicry – an adaptation in which one species looks like another species
Behavioral Adaptations
changes in behavior like
hibernation, migration, mating
behaviors, and hunting
behaviors that helps
organisms to survive
Examples: A snake playing dead
to fool predators
The bull snake will rattle leaves to mimic a rattle snake
Peacock spider dance to attract mates
Geese flying south for the winter
Functional Adaptations
A biochemical change, such as
hibernating, shedding, or
spitting, that enables a species
to increase survival or maintain
homeostasis
Examples:
A cobra spraying
venom to ward off dangers
Sweating on a hot day
Scent marking to define territory
boundaries
The ability of bears to slow their
metabolism to hibernate
How Adaptations Occur A gene mutates or changes by
accident
If the mutation causes a
variation in the animal that
makes it better adapted to its
environment, then the animal
will be more likely to survive
and pass on that characteristic
Natural Selection
The process by which adaptations
occur
Organisms with variations that
help them survive in their
environment live longer, compete
better, and reproduce more than
those that do not have this
variation
Artificial Selection
Causes adaptations in organisms to occur over a much shorter time span
Humans select for a certain desired trait in organisms in a process called selective breeding