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Animal Adaptations
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Specialized beaks for feeding
Hummingbird - Long, narrow beak to access nectar deep within flowers.
Breath-holding abilities for diving
Sperm Whale - Capable of holding its breath for up to 90 minutes while diving deep to hunt squid.
Cryptic coloration to hide from predators
Stick Insect - Looks like part of the plant it is on, very difficult for predators to see.
Color vision to distinguish ripe fruits
Mandrill - Trichromatic vision allows it to identify ripe and nutritious fruits in its environment.
Pouch for carrying offspring
Kangaroo - Female has a pouch where the joey develops and is nurtured after birth.
Air sacs for buoyancy control
Fish with swim bladders - Use swim bladders to maintain a specific depth without effort.
Electrical discharge for hunting and defense
Electric Eel - Generates strong electric fields to stun prey and deter predators.
Mimicry to resemble other species
Monarch and Viceroy Butterflies - Viceroy mimics the Monarch to avoid predators since Monarchs are toxic.
Long distance migration
Arctic Tern - Travels from Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctic feeding areas, the longest known migration.
Tusk development for digging and defense
Walrus - Uses tusks for foraging, movement on ice, and for defense against predators.
Toxic or foul-tasting secretions for deterrence
Skunk - Releases a powerful and smelly spray from its anal glands to deter predators.
External egg-laying to avoid carrying the weight internally
Sea Turtle - Lays eggs on beaches, minimizing the time spent carrying the eggs.
Plant-based diet adaptations
Giant Panda - Strong jaw muscles and flat molars to grind tough bamboo.
Counter-shading for camouflage
Shark - Darker on top and lighter underneath, making it hard to spot from both above and below in the water.
Specialized limbs for digging
Mole - Forelimbs are broad and spade-like for efficient tunneling underground.
Scale modifications for protection
Pangolin - Overlapping scales made of keratin act as armor against predators.
Water conservation adaptations
Camel - Can close nostrils and has specialized kidneys to minimize water loss in desert environments.
Burrowing to escape extremes
Prairie Dog - Digs extensive burrows to avoid predators and extreme temperatures.
Nocturnal behavior to avoid heat and predation
Owl - Hunts at night, using enhanced vision and hearing to locate prey.
Echolocation for orientation and hunting in the dark
Bat - Uses sound waves to navigate and catch prey in complete darkness.
Antifreeze proteins to prevent ice crystal formation
Antarctic Icefish - Produces proteins that bind to ice crystals, preventing blood from freezing.
Camouflage to blend into the environment
Chameleon - Changes skin color to match surroundings, aiding in hunting and avoiding predators.
Suction cups for adherence
Octopus - Uses suction cups on tentacles to grip surfaces and capture prey.
Hibernation to survive winter scarcity
Brown Bear - Enters a state of torpor to conserve energy when food is scarce in winter.
Venom for predation and defense
King Cobra - Injects venom through fangs to immobilize prey and deter predators.
Regeneration of lost body parts
Starfish (Sea Star) - Can regenerate limbs, which helps it survive after predator attacks.
Explosive power for predator evasion
Cheetah - Capable of short bursts of high speed to escape predators and catch prey.
Thick blubber or fat layer for insulation
Polar Bear - Provides insulation in Arctic climates, reducing heat loss in icy waters.
Heat exchange systems to regulate body temperature
Great White Shark - Countercurrent heat exchange system keeps muscles and brain warm in cold waters.
Webbed feet for swimming
Duck - Webbed feet act like paddles, allowing for efficient movement in water.
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