Adaptation in animals

The Earth has a vast range of different environments

Some environments are extreme:

Desert- dry, hot
Arctic- very cold
Mountains- low oxygen

Animals living in such environments are adapted to

survive there
 Adaptations in animals: Cold climate
Main aim: Reduce heat loss
Small surface area: volume
- Large rounded shape
- small round ears (eg polar bear)

Well insulated
- Thick layer of blubber fat
- blubber also energy store when food is low
- Thick furry coat = keep in body heat
- greasy waterproof fur (prevents cooling)

Camouflage
- white fur = avoid predation OR avoid being seen by prey
Arctic animals
 Adaptations in animals: desert
Main aim: Save water and keep cool

Large surface area: volume

- allows them to lose body heat

Efficient with saving water

- concentrated urine =reduce water loss
- make little sweat
- low breathing rate= less water loss from respiration

Thin body fat/coats

- helps to lose body heat

Camouflage
- sandy colour = avoid predation or prey seeing them
Desert animals
 Adaptations in plants
Plants needs:

Light ( photosynthesis)
Glucose and nutrients (to grow)
Carbon dioxide (photosynthesis)
- gases enter/leave : stomata (pores under leaf)
Water (grow, keep hydrated)
- enters: roots
- lost by evaporation : leaf stomata (under leaf)
 Adaptations in plants: desert climate
Small surface area: volume
- cacti have spines instead of leaves to reduce water loss
- small shaped leaves/ folded shape to reduce evaporation

Waxy leaves
- reflects heat to keep it cool/ protected

Water storage tissues

- Cactus: thick stem to store water

Maximising water absorption

- Shallow, extensive roots to absorb more water quickly over a
large area when it does rain
- deep roots to access underground water
- Bulb roots underground to act as water storage
Desert Plants