The Study of NatureThe Study of Nature

Nature (mountains, plants, animals, rivers, etc.) have captured the interest of naturalists for many years. One very special naturalist who was born in 1809 is still making news. As a boy, he was so fascinated with organisms in his environment he once placed a beetle in his mouth to keep from losing it until he got home to show his dad!

My name is Charles Darwin. I was interested in

adaptations of plants and

animals which allowed them to survive day-to-day activities

over time.

After college, I decided to

pursue my first love in life…nature… and

take a cruise on the HMS Beagle which lasted 5

years.

During my years on the ship I took

collections of rocks, fossils, animals, and plants. (not in my

mouth anymore) I documented my

findings in my log book which are still being viewed and

discussed in science classrooms of today!

One of my observations which truly affected how I

felt about the origins of organisms … finch

birds found on the Galapagos Islands. Each island had a

finch that was similar in appearance other

than the beak.

Click on my portrait to learn about my 5 years on a great ship…SMS Beagle.

Adaptations can be grouped into three

categories: structural, behavior, and

physiological. Review their meaning then watch a really cool

video of another very special spot on this

beautiful planet we call home…Madagascar.

Type of Adaptation ImportanceStructural External characteristics

(feet, eyes, bills, skin, etc.)Behavioral Mannerisms or internal

characteristics(Nocturnal, arboreal, burrowing, hibernation, rumination, endothermic, etc.)

Physiological A change in an organism usually based on an external stimuli(Skin tanning due to sun exposure, formation of calluses on hands due to increased pressure at that point.)

Once you have finished watching

this video…make a connection between

the types of adaptations and the array of animals on

Madagascar.

Review other plant and animal

adaptations I find interesting from different biomes of the

world!

Work with those students in your

group on the “Beaks of Choice” activity. Compare

your personal beaks with those I saw many years

ago on my expedition.

Adaptations Adaptations Around the WorldAround the World

Adaptations in the TundraAdaptations in the Tundra

Wildlife has extra layers of blubber and fur.Animals have the ability to hibernate.Birds migrate.Plants grow low to the ground to survive frigid

temperatures.

Adaptations in the TaigaAdaptations in the Taiga

Leaves shaped like pine needles and waxy to hold moisture.

Trees are conical in shape to release snow.

Animals hibernate or migrate to warmer climates.

Adaptations in the GrasslandsAdaptations in the Grasslands

Dense underground root system to allow re-growth after winter.

Two-thirds of prairie grass roots die off and add organic matter making rich soil.

Animals have short legs for grazing.

Adaptations in the Adaptations in the Deciduous ForestDeciduous Forest

Animals may hibernate.Animals are camouflage.Trees provide shelter for animals and

plants.

Adaptations in the Adaptations in the DesertDesert

•Animals come out at night when cooler and sleep in caves, dens, or burrows during the day

•Plants open their stomates at night for less water loss

•Animals may have light coats to reflect light.

•Animals may have larger ears to release body heat.

Adaptations in the Adaptations in the Rain ForestRain Forest

Camouflage.Color markings to

ward off predators.Body structures to

accommodate tree life.

Many animals will eat only one type of food due to large numbers of critters Water Lily

Adaptations in the WaterAdaptations in the Water

Camouflage to blend into the background.

Change color to indicate poisonous.

Salmon migrate to spawn.

Congregate in groups called schools.

SummarySummary

All organisms must adapt to their environment to continue their species.

An ecosystem consists of living (organisms-biotic) and non-living (physical features-abiotic) within an environment.

Organisms need food, water, and proper temperature to survive and be in equilibrium in nature.

All organisms must reproduce to keep the species going.

TAKS ReviewTAKS Review

1. Which of the following types of plants would be best suited for growing on a forest floor?

A. A plant with shallow rootsB. A plant that needs a lot of lightC. A plant with a deep taprootD. A plant that lives in shade

2. In which type of ecosystem would you most likely find insects that require moist habitats to lay their eggs?

A. Pine forestB. WetlandC. BeachD. Desert

3. Cactus plants have thick, fleshy stems; shallow roots; and leaves in the form of spines. All of these structures make a cactus suited for life in a dry environment. Of the following, the environment in which a cactus can best survive is a

A. Lake ecosystemB. GrasslandC. Deciduous forestD. Desert

4. Which biome would best support all the organisms shown in the food web ?

A. Ocean B. EstuaryC. Pond or lakeD. Fast-moving

stream

ResourcesResources

http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/nwep1.htm http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/galapagos/finches.html Parker, Steve. Charles Darwin and Evolution. 1st. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 1992. 4-

27. Print. http://www.uen.org/utahlink/activities/view_activity.cgi?activity_id=4750