Animal adaptations
Definition - Adaptation is the process by which animals develop physical or behavioral traits that improve their ability to survive and reproduce in their specific environment.
Why? 1. To get food
If the environment changes or food becomes harder to find, animals with features that help them get food survive better.
Example: A giraffe’s long neck helps it reach leaves high up.
2. To stay safe from predators
Animals develop features that help them hide, run, or defend themselves.
Example: A chameleon changes colour to blend in.
3. To survive climate changes
If the place becomes colder, hotter, wetter, or drier, animals that can handle it survive.
Example: Polar bears have thick fur and fat for the cold.
4. To reproduce successfully
Features that help them find mates or protect their young help their species continue.
Example: Peacocks have bright feathers to attract mates.
5. Because the environment is always changing
The conditions around animals never stay the same—so animals slowly change too.