Keshu

1. Adaptations Based on Habitat

Desert Animals

• Camel

  • Long eyelashes keep sand out

  • Broad feet prevent sinking in sand

  • Can survive many days without water

• Fennec Fox

  • Large ears release body heat

  • Light-colored fur reflects sunlight

Polar Region Animals

• Polar Bear

  • Thick fur + fat layer for insulation

  • White color for camouflage in snow

• Penguin

  • Blubber for warmth

  • Streamlined body for swimming

Forest Animals

• Monkey

  • Long arms and tail for climbing

• Tiger

  • Stripes help in camouflage while hunting

Aquatic Animals

• Fish

  • Gills to breathe underwater

  • Scales protect the body

• Whale

  • Blowhole for breathing air

  • Thick blubber for warmth

2. Special Adaptations

Camouflage

Animals blend with surroundings to hide.

• Chameleon changes color

• Stick insect looks like a twig

Mimicry

Animals copy others to avoid danger.

• Harmless butterfly copying a poisonous one

Locomotion

Movement adaptations.

• Kangaroo uses strong hind legs to jump

• Snake slithers to move quietly

3. Adaptations for Food

• Herbivores (cow, deer): flat teeth for grinding plants

• Carnivores (lion, tiger): sharp teeth and claws

• Omnivores (bear, human): mixed teeth

4. Adaptations for Protection

• Turtle – hard shell

• Porcupine – sharp quills

• Skunk – foul-smelling spray

Types of Animal Adaptations

1. Structural (Physical) Adaptations These are body features.

2. Camel – hump stores fat for energy in deserts

3. Polar bear – thick fur and fat keep it warm in cold regions

4. Fish – fins help in swimming

5. Behavioral Adaptations These are actions animals do to survive.

6. Birds migrating to warmer places in winter

7. Bears hibernating to save energy

8. Nocturnal animals (like owls) being active at night

9. Physiological Adaptations These are internal body processes.

10. Snakes producing venom to catch prey

11. Dogs panting to cool their bodies

12. Camels conserving water by producing very little sweat

Why Adaptations Are Important

• Help animals find food

• Protect them from danger

Types of Plant Adaptations

1. Structural (Morphological) Adaptations

These are physical features of plants.

a) Roots

• Tap roots → go deep to absorb water (desert plants)

• Fibrous roots → spread wide to absorb surface water (grasses)

• Breathing roots (pneumatophores) → help in marshy areas (mangroves)

b) Stem

• Thick, green stems → store water & do photosynthesis (cactus)

• Hollow stems → help aquatic plants float

• Climbing stems → help plants reach sunlight (money plant)

c) Leaves

• Spines → reduce water loss (cactus)

• Needle-shaped leaves → reduce transpiration (pine)

• Broad leaves → absorb more sunlight (rainforest plants)

2. Physiological Adaptations

These are internal processes.

• Opening stomata at night to reduce water loss (CAM plants)

• Slowed metabolism in cold regions

• Water storage in cells during rainy season

3. Behavioral Adaptations (Responses)

• Sunflower turns toward sunlight (phototropism)

• Roots grow toward water (hydrotropism)

• Plants close leaves when touched (touch-me-not)

4. Adaptations Based on Habitat

Desert Plants (Xerophytes)

• Thick cuticle

• Sunken stomata

• Reduced leaves

• Extensive root system

Aquatic Plants (Hydrophytes)

• Thin cuticle

• Large air cavities

• Reduced root system

Mountain Plants

• Sloping branches

• Thick bark

• Needle leaves

Grassland Plants

• Flexible stems

• Underground buds

• Fire-resistant roots

5. Special Adaptations

Insectivorous Plants

• Leaves modified to trap insects

• Digest insects for nitrogen

• Examples: Venus flytrap, Pitcher plant

Parasitic Plants

• Grow on other plants

• Absorb food from host

• Example: Cuscuta