Adaptations

An adaptation is a special trait that helps a living thing survive. Adaptations develop slowly over many generations. Animals and plants that have helpful traits are more likely to survive and have offspring. Over time, these useful traits become common in the species.

Body Adaptations

Body adaptations are physical features that help an organism survive. A polar bear has thick fur and a layer of fat to stay warm. A cactus has thick stems that store water for dry times. A duck has webbed feet for swimming. These body features help each organism thrive in its habitat.

Behavior Adaptations

Some adaptations are behaviors instead of body parts. Birds migrate south for the winter to find food. Bears hibernate to save energy during cold months. Some animals hunt at night when it is cooler. These behaviors help animals survive when conditions get tough.

Fun Facts

• The arctic fox changes its fur color from white in winter to brown in summer for camouflage.
• A giraffe's long neck is an adaptation that helps it reach leaves high up in trees.
• The mimic octopus can change its shape to look like at least 15 different sea creatures.

Did You Know?

Some stick insects look exactly like twigs, right down to fake leaf scars and knots. This camouflage adaptation makes them nearly invisible to predators!