Animal Adaptations

Adaptation, be definition, is any change in the structure or functioning of an organism that makes it better suited to its environment. Adaptation, in essence, is a boon that every organism in nature is gifted with. It is because of adaptations, that living beings can survive in diverse forms of environments. Animals and plants have adapted themselves to their habitat and have therefore been able to survive. Adaptation is the capacity in a living being, by means of which, a change is brought about in the structure or functioning of its body so that it thrives in its environment. Looking at the different animal adaptations makes us think about the capacities endowed to us by nature. Here is a glimpse of some of the interesting animal adaptations observed in nature.

Animal Adaptations

One of the very well-known examples of animal adaptations is that of the ships of the desert, the camels. To protect itself from the blowing sand of the desert, a camel has two rows of long and thick eyelashes. Its nostrils can be closed to prevent the blowing sand from getting in. Its hooves with broad and leathery pads create a snowshoe effect and prevent a camel from sinking in the sand. Its hump that stores fat helps a camel sustain for long spans without food and water. Some desert mammals like mule deer adapt to the harsh climatic conditions by remaining active only during the first few hours of dawn and dusk.

Polar bears, which inhabit the polar regions of the planet, have adapted to the aquatic environment. They have a thick layer of fat and dense layers of fur to protect them from the cold. A similar adaptation is found in a musk ox. It also has two layers of fur. The air trapped between the layers helps it thrive in the cold climates. The front paws of polar bears propel through water and their nostrils can be closed when swimming underwater. This adaptation gives them the ability to travel for long distances underwater. The layer of blubber on their bodies serves as an effective insulation and helps them maintain a normal body temperature.

Giraffes exhibit some interesting adaptations that help them survive in the savannas. Their fringed tails help keep flies and insects away. Their long legs and long neck provide them with the height to reach tall trees. The long tongue helps a giraffe strip off leaves while its tough lips protect it from thorns.

Many animals exhibit the feature of camouflaging, which helps them hide from predators and also helps them catch their prey. Giraffes have a camouflaged coat that helps them hide themselves from their enemies. The white coat of polar bears helps them camouflage with the white snow. A common snake-neck turtle is covered in camouflaging algae. A mackerel tabby blends with its environment. Certain fish possess the abilities to change their skin color by changing their diet.

A unique animal adaptation observed in certain fish is that of countershading. Pelagic fish are often light colored at the bottom and dark towards the top. Due to this coloration, the birds flying atop cannot see the fish easily due to their dark color while the fish swimming below them do not easily see their light colored bodies. The shape of the bodies of fish is another adaptation that helps them swim swiftly in water.

A commonly seen animal adaptation is that animals have adapted to eating foods that other animals do not. The animals living in the same habitat compete for food. But the adaptation of eating a less commonly eaten food lessens this competition and strikes a balance in nature. An interesting form of animal adaptation is hibernation that is a state of inactivity characterized by low metabolic rate. Migration is another form of adaptation typically seen in birds, which, in some months of a year, migrate to regions with climatic conditions conducive to their survival.

Adaptation, a change in the living organisms that helps them live successfully in the environment is also their savior.