Lesson 4 What are Structural Adaptations

A horse has flat teeth that allow it to grind the grass that it eats.

A tiger has sharp teeth that help it tear meat.

A porcupine raises its quills, swings its tail, and pokes its attacker to make it go away.

A skunk’s spray has a bad odor. It’s a powerful defense against predators.

Some animals can hide without trying. These animals are hidden by their shapes, colors, or patterns.

Such disguises are called camouflage.

A snow leopard’s spots help it blend into the background of snow and rock.

What color should this lizard be to camouflage with the leaf? 

Monarch butterflies make birds sick.

Viceroy butterflies mimic them to prevent getting eaten.

Plants need water. There isn’t much water in a desert, so desert plants are adapted to hold moisture.

Desert plants such as cactuses have thick stems that store water.

The leaves of many desert plants have a waxy coating that helps prevent water loss. Most desert plants have spines that help prevent water vapor from escaping from the plant.