Deep Dive: The Three Types of Adaptation

1. STRUCTURAL ADAPTATIONS

Physical features of the body

• Polar bear — thick fur and blubber for insulation; white fur for camouflage
• Camel — hump stores fat; wide feet spread weight on sand
• Cactus — spines instead of leaves; thick stem stores water
• Fish — streamlined shape for moving through water

2. BEHAVIOURAL ADAPTATIONS

Actions or behaviours that help survival

• Migration — birds fly south in winter to find food
• Hibernation — animals sleep through winter when food is scarce
• Nocturnal hunting — avoid heat of day, hunt when prey is vulnerable
• Courtship displays — attract mates with dances, songs, colours

3. FUNCTIONAL/PHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATIONS

Internal processes and chemistry

• Desert rat — produces very concentrated urine to save water
• Poison dart frog — produces toxins that deter predators
• Bacteria in hot springs — enzymes work at high temperatures
• Plants in salty soil — can tolerate high salt concentrations