What is an adaptations in animals?
Adaptations are like special powers or changes that animals develop over a long time to help them
survive in their habitats or environment.
The natural home of an animal is called habitat from where it can obtain food, shelter, build homes
and reproduce.
Type of adaptations in animals
Every animal has its own unique adaptations that make it perfectly suited for its environment. The
main types of adaptations are Physical, Behavioural and Sensory.
Camouflage: Many animals have the ability to blend in with their surroundings to avoid detection by
predators. For example, chameleons can change the colour of their skin.
Hibernation: Some animals like frog and bears hibernate when food is scarce. They lower their
metabolic rate and enter a state of dormancy to conserve energy.
Webbed feet: Animals that live in water, such as ducks and otters, have webbed feet that allow them
to swim more efficiently.
Teeth and claws: Many animals like lions and tigers have sharp teeth and claws, that they use for
hunting and defending themselves against predators.
Adaptations based on Habitat
Animals have amazing ways to fit into their environments for survival. Let’s explore how animals
adapt to their habitats to survive.
On the basis of their habitat, animals can be divided into five major groups: terrestrial, aquatic,
amphibians, arboreal and aerial animals.
Adaptations in animals based on their habitat
Terrestrial Animals
Terrestrial adaptations can further be classified into Forest, Desert and Polar regions.
Forest animals
Animals like monkeys and sloths have adapted to climb trees, whereas some animals have special
teeth for eating grass efficiently.
Some animals have developed special senses to hunt and protect themselves. On the other hand,
some animals have adapted for speed to chase down prey.
Tigers, lions, elephants, cows, horses, monkey, dogs and fox are some examples of forest animals.
Desert animals
Desert animals adapt to save water, protect from hot and cold weather, as well as change colour to
hide themselves.
Sand-coloured lizard, have skin that matches the colour of the sand to protect from other animals.
Desert rats and foxes are active during night only.
Camels, have special humps to store water, to survive in a dry habitat.
Polar animals
The poles are cover with ice and thus are the coldest place on the Earth. Artic fox, Seals, Polar Bear
and penguin are some animals found in polar regions.
Polar bears and seals have thick fur to keep them warm. While Penguins have webbed feet to help
them swim.
Aquatic Animals
Animals that live in water are called aquatic animals. They have unique adaptations that help them to
survive in water. These adaptations in animals can be:
Gills: Aquatic animals, like fish, have gills to absorb oxygen from the water. Gills are like their
underwater lungs, allowing them to breathe.
Fins: These fins and flippers help animals to move through the water with speed and agility. For
example, dolphins have powerful flippers for swimming gracefully.
Streamlined Bodies: To reduce water resistance, aquatic animals, such as sharks and seals, have
streamlined bodies. This shape allows them to glide efficiently through the water.
Webbed Feet: Aquatic birds like ducks and penguins have webbed feet that act like paddles for
swimming.
