Physical AdaptationsSTRUCTURAL

CASE STUDY: Polar Bear

Adaptation Function (how does it help the animal?)

Long, stiff hair between pads of bear's feet

Protect bear's feet from the coldProvides traction on the iceHelp the bear swim in cold, icy water Also helps to keep bear from slipping on the slippery ice

CASE STUDY: Polar BearAdaptations Function

(how does it help the animal?)

Small rounded ears Prevents water from entering the bear's ears and freezing their eardrums- (big ears, more water!)Helps conserve body warmth in sub-zero temperatures

Hollow Fur Traps air inside, thus making the bear buoyant in waterThe layer of air provides insulation between their warm bodies and the cold Arctic air and waterInsulation provided is lost when fur is covered with oil

Adaptations Function (how does it help the animal?)

Light colour of bear's fur

Provides camouflage against the ice - When hunting, bear covers black nose with its paws to hide it

Thick layer of fat (blubber) under skin

Up to 11 cm thickInsulates bear from arctic coldOverheating might occur

Skin under fur is black This is to ensure that the polar bear keep more heat for longer.

CASE STUDY: Polar Bear

CASE STUDY: Koala

Adaptation Function (how does it help the animal?)

Big, black nose Koalas are heavily dependent on their sense of smell. The organisms need a keen sense of smell to determine if the eucalypts leaves that they intend to eat are poisonous or not.

Claw pads Help koalas climb but providing better grip.

Long sharp claws Help the koala climbAllow the koala to groom its fur

CASE STUDY: Koala

Adaptations Function (how does it help the animal?)

Dense wooly coat The coat efficiently protects them from hot and cold conditions. The coat is also water resistant to fend off most moisture when it rains. The fur on their rumps is used for padding because of the hard branches it constantly sits on. The combination of white and gray, sometimes brown, fur has properties of camouflage.

CASE STUDY: Camel

CASE STUDY: Cacti

http://www.vtaide.com/png/camel-adaptations4.htm