Science Adaptations

adaptation - trait that helps an organism survive in its environment

Any trait that helps an organism survive in its environment is called an adaptation.

Adaptations also allow one kind of organism to live where other kinds of organisms cannot live.

Some living things are adapted to cold environments.

Whales that live in very cold environments have a thick layer of fat called blubber.

The blubber helps keep the whales warm.

A cactus has adaptations that allow it to live in a desert environment.

A cactus has a thick, leathery stem that stores water.

Some adaptations protect organisms against predators.

Camouflage is one adaptation that protects an organism against predators.

The more an organism looks like its environment, the less likely a predator is to notice it.

Camoflauge also helps a predator hide as it waits for its prey.

Some organisms have a protective covering that guards them against predators.

A porcupine is a great example of this adaptation.

Have you ever seen a yellow jacket wasp?

It's bright yellow and black stripes are an adaptation called warning coloration.

Animals that use warning coloration are usually poisonous.

They use bright colors to warn other animals not to eat them.

Another great example is the blue poison dart frog. It uses bright colors to warn predators of the poison they contain.