Animal Adaptations

An adaptation is a special feature that helps an animal survive. Polar bears have thick fur to stay warm in the Arctic. Camels have humps that store fat for energy in the desert. Adaptations develop over a very long time.

Physical Adaptations

Physical adaptations are body features that help animals survive. A bird's beak shape matches the food it eats. Webbed feet help ducks swim. A giraffe's long neck helps it reach leaves high in the trees.

Behavioral Adaptations

Behavioral adaptations are things animals do to survive. Bears hibernate in winter to save energy. Birds migrate to warmer places when it gets cold. Some animals play dead to trick predators into leaving them alone.

Fun Facts

• A camel can drink up to 40 gallons of water in one sitting.
• Arctic foxes grow white fur in winter and brown fur in summer.
• The woodpecker's skull has special padding to protect its brain while pecking.

Did You Know?

The fennec fox has huge ears, but not just for hearing. The large ears help release extra body heat to keep the fox cool in the hot desert!