Back to: ZOOLOGY 100 Level
Welcome back, my champion! It’s a joy to have you here again. I love how you keep showing up for yourself and your dreams. Today, we are going to talk about something really interesting — how animals adapt to live in different habitats. You’ll see that just like people dress differently for cold and hot weather, animals also have their own smart ways of surviving wherever they find themselves!
Adaptations of animals to different habitats
What are Adaptations?
Adaptations are special features or behaviours that help animals survive in their environment. They can be changes in their body parts, the way they act, or even how they eat.
Simply put, adaptations are like “survival tricks” animals use to stay alive.
Adaptations of Animals in Different Habitats
- Aquatic Animals (Water Habitats)
Animals that live in water have unique features to help them move, breathe, and find food in a watery world.
- Fins and tails help fishes swim easily.
- Gills allow fishes and tadpoles to breathe underwater.
- Streamlined bodies (smooth, narrow shapes) help dolphins and fishes move swiftly in water.
- Webbed feet in frogs and ducks make swimming easier.
Example: The catfish you see in Nigerian rivers has slippery skin that helps it glide through water easily.
- Desert Animals (Hot, Dry Habitats)
Animals in deserts deal with extreme heat and little water.
- Thick skin to prevent water loss (e.g., camels).
- Ability to store water in their bodies (e.g., camels store water in their bloodstream).
- Burrowing into the ground to escape the hot sun (e.g., desert tortoises).
- Being active at night when it’s cooler (e.g., desert foxes).
Example: Camels, also called the “ships of the desert,” can go for days without drinking water in the hot deserts of northern Nigeria.
- Forest Animals (Dense, Rainy Areas)
Animals in forests have features that help them live among thick trees and plants.
- Strong limbs for climbing (e.g., monkeys).
- Bright colours to hide among plants (e.g., parrots blending with green leaves).
- Sharp claws and teeth for catching prey (e.g., leopards).
Example: In Nigerian forests like the Omo Forest Reserve, chimpanzees use their strong arms to swing from tree to tree.
- Arctic Animals (Cold, Icy Habitats)
In icy places, animals need protection against the cold.
- Thick fur or feathers to keep warm (e.g., polar bears, penguins).
- Blubber (fat) under the skin to store heat (e.g., seals).
Even though Nigeria is a warm country, it’s still good to know how animals in cold places survive!
Summary
- Adaptations are special features that help animals survive in their specific habitats.
- Aquatic animals have fins, gills, and streamlined bodies.
- Desert animals store water and avoid the heat.
- Forest animals climb, hide, and hunt cleverly.
- Arctic animals have thick fur and fat for warmth.
Evaluation
- What are adaptations?
- Give two features of aquatic animals that help them survive.
- How do desert animals survive the heat?
- Mention one adaptation of forest animals.
- Why do some animals in cold regions have thick fur?
Keep pushing forward, smart one! With Afrilearn, every lesson you take brings you closer to your dreams. I can’t wait to continue this amazing learning adventure with you. You are doing wonderfully well!