• Cope with extreme physical conditions

• Obtain food

• Escape from predators

• Reproduction

There are 2 types of adaptations:

Structural (S) & Behavioural (B)

Structural adaptations are the distinct physical characteristics that help an organism to

increase its chances of survival in its natural habitat. These characteristics can be special body

parts or unusual life processes that help them survive or reproduce.

For example, crabs have special body parts called gill chambers to help them breathe on land. Kangaroo rats live in deserts where very little water is available. Their bodies are able to carry out special life processes that allow them to get all the water they need from the dry seeds they eat.

Behavioural adaptations are special ways in which an organism behaves to increase its chances of survival in its natural habitat, such as migrating to warmer regions during winter and hibernations.

For example, leopard frogs live on the banks of ponds and streams. If they sense any danger, they jump into the water to escape from predators. Snakes rest in sunny areas

during early morning when the air is cool to help them maintain a constant body temperature.