Essential Question: What factors influence the size and stability of

populations?Standard: (c5) Explain how populations are affected by

predator prey relationships.

Ignitor (2 minutes or less)

1) On a sheet of paper, write a definition of the word ‘adaptation’.

2) Explain how adaptations influence the size of a population?

Answer to Ignitor

1) Definition of an adaptation:

The behaviors and physical characteristics that allow organisms to live successfully in their environments.

Answer to Ignitor-question 2

• All animals live in habitats. Habitats provide food, water, and shelter which animals need to survive, but there is more to survival than just the habitat. Animals also depend on their physical features to help them obtain food, keep safe, build homes, withstand weather, and attract mates. These physical features are called physical adaptations. Physical adaptations do not develop during an animal's life but over many generations. The shape of a bird's beak, the number of fingers, color of the fur, the thickness or thinness of the fur, the shape of the nose or ears are all examples of physical adaptations which help different animals to survive.

Directions For Lesson

• Complete the organizer during the slide show presentation for all the animals given.

Species adaptation How this adaptation helps the animal survive

ie. butterfly

camouflage Helps animal elude its prey by blending in with its environment

• DESCRIPTION: The East African Hedgehog can be distinguished from all other species of hedgehogs because it lacks a hallux (1st toe) and thus has only 4 toes on the hind foot. It also is smaller than the European hedgehog. They are covered dorsally with a uniform coat of spines (modified hairs) which have alternate light and dark color rings.

Koala-modified index finger

Lions-heavily muscled forelimbs and shoulders

• Camels are well known for their humps. They do not, however, store water in them as is commonly believed, though they do serve this purpose through roundabout means. Their humps are a reservoir of fatty tissue, while water is stored in their blood. However, when this tissue is metabolised, it is not only a source of energy, but yields through reaction with oxygen from the air 1111 g of water per 1000 g of fat. This allows them to survive without water for about two weeks, and without food for up to a month.

Sharks-Extra large sharp teeth

Macaw-rounded/pointed stiff beak

Snakes-flexible lower jaw

Zebra-disruptive patterning

Bird-wings to fly

Whales-sleek streamlined bodies

Owl-large eyes to let in extra light to see in the dark

Jellyfish-poisonous tenacles

Adaptations Organizer

Species Adaptation advantage

Hedgehog dorsal spines protect against prey

koala Opposable modified index

finger

Acts as a second thumb for climbing

Lion Heavily muscled forelimbs and

shoulders

Running and strength

Camel Humps RESEVIOUR OF FATTY TISSUE-ENERGY FOR

WEEKS

Shark Sharp teeth Eating Prey

Macow Hard Beak Eat Nuts

SNAKES FLEXIBLE LOWER JAW

OPEN MOUTH WIDE TO EAT PREY

ZEBRA Disruptive patterning

Confuse prey’s brain chemistry

Whales Sleek streamlined body

Swim easily through water

Owl Large eyes See at night

Jellyfish Poisonous tentacles

Kill prey

Independent Task

• Use your adaptation organizer to design your own ‘Super Animal’. This animal should not be a ‘real’ animal and should include at least five adaptations that were mentioned during the slide show. You may create new adaptations when creating your ‘Super Animal’.

‘Super Animal’ Rubric

• 1)include at least five adaptations included in the slide show presentation

• 2)label each adaptation and describe what the adaptation is used for

• 3)color your ‘Super Animal’ diagram the appropriate colors

• 4)create an ecosystem that would support your ‘Super Animal’-add color!