ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS

Rain Forest

Recall Stratification

Niche Occupation

Two factors create enormous biodiversity in animal species.Stratification Diversity of tree species.

Rain Forest

Conditions vary at each forest level. Different communities evolve to occupy

each habitat.

Birds of Paradise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L54bxmZy_NE&index=2&list=PLE8BC78E23781DCA1

Deciduous Forests

Stratification also exists within deciduous forests, Less tree biodiversity than found in rain

forests.

Forest Floor

Decaying leaves provide a deep, rich layer of soil.

Insects and other invertebrates live in the soil and debris, feeding on abundant organic matter

Deciduous Forests

Winter AdaptationsMigration

○ Many birds fly south to find warmer temperatures and food

Hibernation○ Some mammals reduce their metabolic

activity so that they do not need as much food for energy.

Winter Adaptations in Deciduous Forests

Coniferous Forests Adaptations

HibernationBurrowers Thick body hair

Recall: Snow acts

as an insulator

Coniferous Forests

Some animals thrive in the winter conditions.

Tundra caribou

Body hair traps air that acts as insulator. migrate during the winter in search of food and water

Wolves Take advantage

of caribou

movement patterns prey on burrowers.

○ Lemmings○ mice ○ hares

Camouflage

Deserts

Recall: water is very limited.

Desert Reptiles

Have thick, scaly skin that prevents water loss

Desert Amphibians

Burrow in ground and sleep through the dry season.

Invertebrates

Nocturnal BehaviorActive at night

○ Hunting/feeding at night avoids the daytime heat.

Temperate Grasslands

Steppes Prairies

Adaptations During colder months, some animals

hibernate in search of food and warmer temperatures.

During warmer months, large herbivores are supported by the abundant grasses.

Many smaller animals burrow to avoid fires and extreme temperatures throughout the year.

Prairie Dog Towns

Bison

Tropical GrasslandsAKA Savanna

Animal populations concentrate around streams and watering holes. Recall: streams and watering holes are

sources of water and more vegetation.

vertical feeding patterns: Animals eat vegetation at different heights to

avoid competition for limited resources.

Vertical Feeding Pattern

More Adaptations

Many animals, such as zebras, migrate long distances in search of water.

Predators follow their migration patterns.