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Different types of habitat
There are three major habitat types in the world.
land
freshwater
marine
How do organisms survive in such different habitats?
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What is adaptation?
A habitat is only populated by organisms that are
adapted to survive there.
Adaptations are special features or behaviours that make
an organism particularly suited to its environment. They are
part of the evolutionary process.
Why is it important that living things are adapted to
their environment?
Adaptations increase an organism’s chance of survival
and so increase its chance of reproducing.
Why is reproduction so important for all living species?
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How are polar bears adapted?
How are polar bears adapted to their extremely cold
climate?
white greasy fur repels water and acts as camouflage
thick fur and
body fat insulate
from the cold
large, wide feet
spread the body’s
weight and act as
good paddles and
snow shoes
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More polar bears adaptations
Other adaptations that polar bears have evolved to cope
with conditions in the harsh polar environment include:
small ears and small body
surface area to volume
ratio reduces heat loss
eyes have brown irises to
reduce the glare from the
Sun’s reflection
black skin is a good
absorber of heat
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Curious camel facts
Camels are amazing creatures! Did you know that:
 camels have three stomachs
 some camels live to
over 40 years old
 some Bactrian camels
can transport 450 kg
 archaeological finds show
that camels originated in
North America
 Somalia is home to over
six million camels!
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How is a camel adapted?
How is a camel adapted to life in a very hot, dry climate?
fat is stored together in the hump to reduce overheating
little water is lost
through sweating
or urination
long, thin legs help
to increase body
surface area and
increase heat loss
wide feet spread
out body weight
on shifting sand
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More camel adaptations
What other adaptations have camels evolved to cope with
the harsh desert environment?
long eyelashes and
furry ears prevent sand
and dust from getting in
nostrils can be closed
for protection during
sandstorms
very varied diet, ranging
from grass and bark to
thorns and bones.
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How is a cactus adapted?
How is a cactus adapted to life in a very hot, dry climate?
water stored in a fleshy
stem, and a thick, waxy
surface reduces water loss
leaves are narrow spines
to reduce water loss and
protect from predators
roots are either very deep,
or shallow and
widespread to catch
surface water
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Aquatic adaptations
How is this shark adapted to an aquatic environment?
streamlined shape
to reduce friction
when moving
through water
silver colouring
allows the fish
to be camouflaged
fins provide
stability, power
and control
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gills have a large
surface area so
that oxygen can be
extracted from the
surrounding water
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Unusual plant adaptations
Plants can live in acid or waterlogged soils where there is
little nitrate. Some plants have evolved a rather cunning
adaptation to obtain the nutrients they need.
Pitcher plants have a large
hollow filled with fluid that
traps insects or other small
organisms that may fall in.
Hairs on the slippery inside
of the plant are angled down
to ensure that the victim
cannot escape!
The plant digests its victims
to absorb the nitrates it needs!
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Glossary
 adaptation – A special feature or behaviour that makes an
organism particularly suited to its habitat.
 cactus – A plant that is well adapted to a hot, dry habitat.
 camel – An animal that is well adapted to a hot, dry habitat.
 freshwater – A habitat consisting of rivers, lakes or
streams.
 habitat – The environment in which an organism lives.
 marine – A saltwater habitat consisting of the seas or
oceans.
 polar bear – An animal that is well adapted to a very cold
habitat.
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Anagrams
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Which adaptation?
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Multiple-choice quiz
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