π Topic Summary
Adaptations are traits or characteristics that help living things survive and reproduce in their environment. These adaptations can be physical, like a giraffe's long neck for reaching high leaves, or behavioral, like a bird migrating south for the winter. Adaptations develop over long periods of time through a process called natural selection, where organisms with helpful traits are more likely to survive and pass those traits on to their offspring. Understanding adaptations is key to understanding how life thrives in different parts of the world.
π± Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with the correct definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Mimicry |
A. A behavior that is inherited |
| 2. Adaptation |
B. The process where animals blend into their surroundings |
| 3. Instinct |
C. A trait that helps an organism survive |
| 4. Camouflage |
D. When one organism resembles another for protection |
| 5. Natural Selection |
E. The process where organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce at a higher rate |
βοΈ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the word bank: environment, survive, physical, behavioral, adaptation.
An __________ is a trait that helps an organism __________ in its __________. Adaptations can be __________ , such as a thick fur coat, or __________, such as migrating to warmer climates.
π€ Part C: Critical Thinking
Give an example of how a specific animal uses adaptations to survive in its natural habitat. Explain at least two adaptations and how they help the animal.
π Answer Key
Part A: Vocabulary
- π Mimicry - D. When one organism resembles another for protection
- 𧬠Adaptation - C. A trait that helps an organism survive
- π§ Instinct - A. A behavior that is inherited
- π³ Camouflage - B. The process where animals blend into their surroundings
- π Natural Selection - E. The process where organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce at a higher rate
Part B: Fill in the Blanks
An adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive in its environment. Adaptations can be physical, such as a thick fur coat, or behavioral, such as migrating to warmer climates.
Part C: Critical Thinking
Answers will vary. Example: Polar bears live in extremely cold environments. They have thick fur and a layer of blubber (fat) which are both physical adaptations that help them stay warm. They also have large paws which help them distribute their weight on the ice and swim effectively. These adaptations help them survive the cold and hunt for food.