Adaptations

Front

What is an adaptation?

Back

An adaptation is a characteristic or trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

What are the two main types of adaptations?

Back

Behavioral adaptations and physical (structural) adaptations.

Front

What is a behavioral adaptation?

Back

A behavioral adaptation is a change in the way an organism acts to survive in its environment, such as hunting at night.

Front

What is a physical (structural) adaptation?

Back

A physical adaptation is a change in an organism's body structure that enhances its survival, such as camouflage.

Front

What is mimicry in animals?

Back

Mimicry is when one animal resembles another animal to gain an advantage, such as avoiding predators.

Front

Give an example of mimicry.

Back

A Viceroy butterfly mimicking the appearance of a poisonous Monarch butterfly.

Front

What is camouflage?

Back

Camouflage is a physical adaptation that allows an organism to blend in with its surroundings to avoid detection.

Front

Provide an example of camouflage.

Back

A gray moth blending in with gray tree bark.

Front

What is hibernation?

Back

Hibernation is a behavioral adaptation where animals enter a state of dormancy during cold months to conserve energy.

Front

Why do black bears hibernate?

Back

Black bears hibernate to survive the winter when food is scarce.