Extreme Environments
Animal Adaptations
What Is Adaptation?
Adaptation is the process of change by which
a species becomes better suited
to its environment.
Why Must Animals Adapt?
Animals adapt when their natural habitat changes.
In Canada, winters can
bring extreme changes in
weather. In order to survive
through the cold winters,
animal species must adapt.
Environmental Conditions
Environments are different across the globe which means animals need to
adapt to their surroundings.
Rainforest Desert Mountain Polar
Very cold Temperatures
Hot and dry. temperatures for rarely go above
Hot and humid. Competition for most of the year. freezing.
water. Reduced oxygen A lot of the prey
A lot of at higher
Windy and lives in the ocean.
predators. altitudes.
sandstorms. Very bright
A lot of leaves. Food can be sunlight reflecting
Long distances
difficult to catch. off the snow.
Competition for between food and
sunlight, water, water supplies. The rugged The icy ground
food and ground can be can be very
Burning hot
nutrients. very uneven and slippery.
during the day
cold to walk on. Strong glare
and freezing at
night. Very few nutrients from the snow
in the vegetation. and ice.
Adaptations of a Camel
Three rows of eyelashes.
Thin, slot-like nostrils.
Can consume up to 46 litres
of water in one sitting.
Thick fur on the top of their
bodies; thin fur elsewhere.
Can run up to 40mph in a sprint, or maintain
25mph for up to an hour.
Large, flat feet.
Adaptations of a Snow Leopard
Shortened body
parts – limb
and ears. Ability to eat an animal
Small pupils (eyes). three times its size.
Enlarged nasal cavity.
Thick fur on soles of feet.
Thick white coat.
Long tail.
Adaptations of a Spider Monkey
Quick movements and
ability to work as a team.
Long, strong tail.
Brown, grey
or red fur. Omnivorous diet.
Slow reproduction rate – up
to five years between births.
Lives high up in tree canopies.
Adaptations of a Polar Bear
They have developed into strong swimmers.
Hollow and transparent fur. Their skin beneath
their fur is black.
Long, thick, curved claws.
Thick layers of fur
and body fat.
Small bumps on
their footpads,
called
papillae.
Large paws.
Camel Adaptations
Adaptation What’s the Point?
Can run up to 40mph in a To travel quickly across the desert over long distances
sprint, or maintain 25mph and to allow air to circulate underneath their
for up to an hour. stomachs to cool them down.
Can consume up to 46 litres Water is scarce and this allows them to hydrate and
of water in one sitting. replenish stored water quickly.
Three rows of eyelashes. Protection from sandstorms/strong winds.
Large, flat feet. Spreads weight on soft sand.
Thick fur on the top of their Thick fur provides shade, thin fur aids heat loss.
bodies; thin fur elsewhere.
Thin, slot-like nostrils. Prevents sand from entering the body and
damaging breathing.
Snow Leopard Adaptations
Adaptation What’s the Point?
Thick white coat. To keep warm and blend in with surroundings –
excellent for hiding from prey.
Thick fur on soles of feet. Aids walking on cold ground.
Enlarged nasal cavity. Helps breathing in high altitude.
Long tail. Stores fat and can be coiled for warmth.
Shortened body parts – limb Reduce potential for heat loss.
and ears.
Small pupils (eyes). Reduce glare in bright conditions.
Spider Monkey Adaptations
Adaptation What’s the Point?
Omnivorous diet. Food is never in short supply – from birds’ eggs to
fruit.
Long, strong tail. Acts as an extra limb and allows them to hang and
swing in trees easily.
Brown, grey or red fur. To blend in with surrounding trees and avoid
predators.
Slow reproduction rate – up This allows them to focus on their babies while they
to five years between births. are young, protecting and educating them.
Lives high up in tree To avoid predators. This is also where the most
canopies. nutritious leaves can be found.
Quick movements and To evade attackers.
ability to work as a team.
Polar Bear Adaptations
Adaptation What’s the Point?
Hollow and transparent fur. To reflect light and camouflage them. This is why
their fur looks white in the snow.
Small bumps on their To help them grip to icy surfaces.
footpads, called papillae.
Long, thick, curved claws. To help them to kill and eat their prey.
Large paws. To distribute their weight evenly. This is very
important when walking on ice!
Their skin beneath their fur To help them absorb heat.
is black.
Thick layers of fur and body Also to help them keep warm.
fat.
