Adaptation - Research Article from Macmillan Science Library: Animal Sciences

This encyclopedia article consists of approximately 2 pages of information about Adaptation.

Adaptation - Research Article from Macmillan Science Library: Animal Sciences

This encyclopedia article consists of approximately 2 pages of information about Adaptation.
This section contains 584 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page)
Buy the Adaptation Encyclopedia Article

Adaptations are the most important features of all organisms. An adaptation is a trait or characteristic that makes an animal survive or reproduce better in its environment. These traits can be morphological, physiological, or behavioral. Adaptations include almost all kinds of traits, such as what makes an organism blend into its surroundings, find food, mate with the correct species, and be able to survive.

An example of a morphological adaptation that increases the chance of survival is the coloration of an animal. Most animals that live in the arctic snow are white. Being white helps them blend in with the snow and hide from predators. An example of a physiological adaptation that increases the likelihood of survival is the kangaroo rat's metabolism. Kangaroo rats live in the desert of the North American Southwest. It is extremely hot and dry there, and very little water is available. The kangaroo...

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This section contains 584 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page)
Buy the Adaptation Encyclopedia Article
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Adaptation from Macmillan. Copyright © 2001-2006 by Macmillan Reference USA, an imprint of the Gale Group. All rights reserved.