Page 45 - Viva ICSE Science 4 : E-book

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Adaptations in Animals

We fi nd various animals and plants living on the KEY CONCEPTS
earth. The place where a particular type of animal

or plant normally lives is called its habitat. There • Need for adaptation in animals
are numerous types of habitats on the earth. • Adaptations to diff erent habitats
• Adaptations for food
Diff erent animals prefer diff erent types of
• Care and concern for animals
conditions and places for their survival. Thus,
they have developed diff erent features which
help them to survive in diffi cult situations. The process of change in features, such as

structure, function or behaviour of a living being, in order to improve the chances of its
survival in a specifi c environment is known as adaptation.

Need for Adaptation in Animals

Animals live in a variety of habitats. They have to adapt to a particular habitat to fi nd
food, shelter and produce their young ones. They also need to protect themselves from

their enemies.
The natural environment of earth slowly changes with time. Animals also need to gradually

change their features and behaviour, to survive. Those who can adapt to the changes,
manage to survive. Whereas, those who cannot adapt to changing environment, die and
slowly become extinct. Therefore, adaptation is very important for life to continue. Let’s
learn how animals adapt themselves in diff erent ways.

Adaptations to Diff erent Habitats

Based on diff erent habitats, animals can be grouped as terrestrial, aquatic, amphibian
and aerial.

Adaptations in terrestrial animals

Terrestrial animals are the animals that live only on land. Dogs, horses, camels and lions
are some terrestrial animals. Adaptations in these animals also diff er from region to
region. They have the following features that help them to live on land.

• Terrestrial animals have well-developed body and sense organs which enable them
to sense changes in their surroundings.

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