Behavior vs Structural Adaptations

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​Functions

Function- is the purpose of the structure.

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Example- thorns protect plants, ​ elephant trunks help them drink water

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Function is what the structure does.​

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Adaptation- is a change that helps an organism survive in its environtment.

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There are 2 types of Adaptations

1. Structure/Physical

2. Behavior​

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Adaptation

Different body parts that helps an organism survive.

Each body part serves a function or purpose.​

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Examples: ​fins, sharp teeth, claws, camoflage

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​Structural/Physical Adaptations

Behaviors or things animals do to help them survive.

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Examples ​- migration, hibernations, dormancy.

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​Behavior Adaptations

Multiple Choice

Some bird have large, sharp claws and beaks. These birds most likely eat -

• Seeds

• Small animals

• Nectar

• Insects

Multiple Choice

Which adaptation of a frog most helps it capture insects to eat?

• Croaking Sound

• Sticky Tongue

• Laying Eggs

• Smooth Skin

Multiple Choice

Some bears have thick layers of fat and fur that help to keep them warm. These adaptations are best suited to an environment that is –

• Dry

• Cold

• Dark

• Windy

Multiple Choice

All of the following would be adaptations that would be an advantage in a hot, dry desert habitat EXCEPT –

• being active at night

• getting water from plants

• hunting animals

• digging a burrow

Multiple Choice

Camels live in the desert and have wide, flat, leathery pads on the bottoms of their feet. This adaptation most likely helps them –

• walk on hot sand

• find sources of water

• climb rocky hills

• sleep standing up

Multiple Choice

Many animals hibernate during the winter. During the winter they spend most of the time sleeping. This behavior is an adaptation that helps animals by –

• allowing them to avoid hard sun and rain

• building strong muscles for fighting

• conserving energy when food is hard to find

• making them easy for predators to see

Multiple Choice

Which is an adaptation of the bison that allows it to stay warm in the cold winter months

• uses its horns to defend itself from predators

• hooves that allow it to quickly move across the grasslands

• thick layers of fur covering its entire body

• flat teeth that help to chew grass on the plains

Multiple Choice

What is an adaptation of the snowshoe hare that allows it to remain unseen by predators in the winter time?

• heavy fur on feet to stay warm

• small ears to prevent heat loss

• turns white in winter to match environment

• sense of smell to detect food

Multiple Choice

Which adaptation of a cactus allows it to prevent water loss in dry desert conditions?

• shallow roots that spread out wide

• bright flowers that attract insects

• waxy outer covering on stem

• needles absorb water

Multiple Choice

Which of the following describes a behavioral adaptation instead of a structural adaptation

• Being nocturnal to avoid hot day time temperatures

• sharp beak and talons for prey

• using webbed feet and a paddled tail to propel the animal through water

• having long eyelashes that prevent sand from entering the eyes

Multiple Choice

All of the following are behavioral adaptations EXCEPT -

• being active at night (nocturnal)

• hibernating during the winter

• migrating to avoid cold weather

• camouflage fur to remain unseen

Open Ended

Exit Ticket: What is the difference between behavioral adaptations and structural adaptations?

​Copy into Journals!

Behavioral - The way an animal behaves or acts to survive.

Structural - The way an animal is made or built to survive.