Smithsonian Zoo Animal Adaptations Quiz

What is a structural adaptation?

• A structural adaptation is a characteristic that is inherited from the organism's parents.

• A structural adaptation is a genetic mutation that occurs in an organism.

• A structural adaptation is a temporary change in an organism's behavior.

• A structural adaptation is a physical feature or behavior that helps an organism survive in its environment.

Which of the following is an example of a structural adaptation?

• Hibernation in bears

• Long neck of a giraffe

• Stripes on a zebra

• Camouflage in chameleons

What is a behavioral adaptation?

• A behavioral adaptation is a change in behavior that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

• A behavioral adaptation is a response to a sudden change in the environment.

• A behavioral adaptation is a learned behavior that is passed down from generation to generation.

• A behavioral adaptation is a physical change in an organism's body.

Which of the following is an example of a behavioral adaptation?

• Migration

• Mutation

• Photosynthesis

• Hibernation

This animal has lived in bamboo forests for several million years. It is a highly specialized animal, with unique adaptations. This animal's, wooly coat keeps it warm in the cool forests of its habitat. These animals have large molar teeth and strong jaw muscles for crushing tough bamboo.

• Giant Panda

• Asian Elephant

• Giraffe

• Boa Constrictor

These animals have adapted many structural adaptations to help it survive in their natural habitat. Since they primarily inhabit tropical habitats and do not have any sweat glands, they have to find other ways to cool themselves off. They can flap their ears to create a cooling effect and stay comfortable in the heat.

• Asian Elephant

• Giant Pandas

• African Lion

• Prairie Dogs

These animals are adapted for life in the treetops. Their long curved claws provide a powerful grip as they hang from branches. At night they move slowly through the trees eating leaves, shoots and fruit.

• Virginia Opossum

• Vietnamese mossy frog

• Two Toed Sloth

• Timor Python

These animals have dense hair and pads on the soles of each foot that protect against the intense heat and cold of their habitat, as well as aiding in movement across the sand. The pads help them navigate across shifting sands. These animals are fearless snake hunters—their prey can include venomous vipers and other snakes.

• Ring Tailed Lemur

• African Elephant

• Asian Elephant

• Sand Cat

These animals are well adapted for life in the trees due to their grasping fingers and toes and semi-opposable thumbs. Their tails are long, measuring about 23.6 inches, but are not prehensile. The tail is primarily used for balance and as a visual signal.

• Red Wolf

• Ring Tailed Lemurs

• Red-rumped Agouti

• Red-bellied piranha

The hair and a thick layer of body fat helps keep this animal warm during the winter. The tail is extremely muscular and adapted to aid in climbing and defense. The upper surface of the tail is heavily covered with quills, while the underside is covered in bristle-like hairs used to aid in climbing.

• Matamata Turtle

• Meerkat

• Ring Tailed Lemur

• North American Porcupine