Habitat and Adaptations - Class 5 Notes & Olympiad Questions

Habitat and Adaptations

a) Habitat refers to the natural environment or surroundings in which an organism lives and thrives.
b) Different animals have specific habitat requirements that provide them with the necessary resources for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and suitable climate conditions.
c) Animals have developed a wide range of adaptations to help them survive in their specific habitats.
d) Adaptations are physical or behavioural characteristics that enhance an animal's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
e) Some examples of common animal habitats and the adaptations of animals found in them are:

Animals Adapted to Desert Life

Deserts are very hot, dry, and windy places but a few animals have adapted themselves to this challenging environment:

1. Camels

Camels are called the "ship of the desert" because they are perfect for living in deserts. They have some special features that help them survive:

a) Long eyelashes: Camels have long eyelashes that keep the sand out of their eyes when the wind blows.
b) Thick eyebrows: Their thick eyebrows protect their eyes from the hot sun.
c) Nostril control: Camels can close their nostrils to prevent sand from going in.
d) Covered ears: Their ears are covered with hair to keep out sand.
e) Big, wide feet: Camels have big, wide feet that help them walk easily on the sand without sinking.
f) Food and water storage: Camels can live for weeks without eating or drinking. They store fat in their hump, which they use for energy later. Their thick lips help them eat prickly desert plants without getting hurt.

2. Fennec Fox

Fennec foxes have big ears that not only help them stay cool in the hot desert but also let them hear insects from far away.

3. Ground Squirrel

Ground squirrels have a thick, extra bushy tails that they use to cover themselves and stay cool in the heat.

4. Sidewinding

Sidewinder snakes can move easily on the soft sand by sliding sideways, which helps them get around in the desert.

5. Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are also adapted to desert life. They have a special rattle on their tail that they shake to warn other animals to stay away.

Animals Adapted to the Polar Regions

In the polar regions where it's extremely cold, there are special animals that have adapted to survive in these icy conditions. Some examples are:

1. Polar Bears

a) Polar bears are big and have thick fur to help them stay warm. Their fur is like a cosy blanket that keeps them insulated from the cold.
b) They also have a layer of fat under their skin, which gives them energy and helps them stay nourished during the winter.

2. Musk Oxen

a) Musk oxen are strong and have thick fur too. Their fur is like a warm coat that protects them from freezing temperatures. It helps them stay warm in the harsh polar environment.

3. Reindeer

a) Reindeer have thick fur that acts as insulation and keeps them warm. They also have a layer of fat under their skin, which helps them survive the cold winter months.

Hibernation

a) In addition to these adaptations, in winter, some animals have a unique way of dealing with the cold. They enter a sleep-like state called hibernation.
b) During hibernation, animals like bears, bats, snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and squirrels become inactive and sleep for a long time.
c) This helps them conserve energy and protect themselves from the cold. It's like they take a long nap until the warmer weather returns.

Arboreal Animals

Some animals live in trees and are known as arboreal animals. These animals are fascinating because they have unique adaptations that help them live and move in tree habitats.

1. Monkeys and Chimpanzees

a) Monkeys and chimpanzees are examples of arboreal animals. They are well-adapted to life in the trees.
b) These animals have claws and a strong hip girdle that help them climb trees and support their body weight while moving around.
c) Some monkeys have a tail that can grip branches, allowing them to swing and move easily through the trees.

2. Flying Squirrels

a) Flying squirrels are also arboreal animals.
b) Flying squirrels have hairs and scales on their feet that prevent them from slipping on branches, allowing them to move and glide through the trees.

Adaptations for Protection

Animals have some interesting ways to protect themselves. Some of these adaptations are:

1. Camouflage

a) Camouflage is when an animal develops colours or patterns that help it blend in with its environment.
b) Chameleons are experts at camouflage. They can change their skin colour to match the leaves and branches where they hide.
c) Rattlesnakes have green colours too, which helps them hide in trees and among leaves.
d) The fur of polar bears is white, which helps them blend in with the snow-covered environment of the Arctic.

2. Mimicry

a) Some animals have adaptations that allow them to mimic or imitate other animals or objects in their environment.
b) The walking stick insect resembles a stick or branch, blending in with its surroundings.

3. Spines, Thorns and Quills

a) Many animals have evolved structures like spines, thorns, or quills to protect themselves from predators.
b) Porcupines have long quills on their backs that stand up when threatened, making it difficult for predators to attack.
c) Cacti have sharp thorns that deter animals from eating them.

4. Armour and Protective Shells

a) Certain animals have developed hard shells or armour-like coverings to shield themselves from harm.
b) Armadillos have tough shells made of bony plates that protect them from predators.
c) Turtles and tortoises have hard protective shells that they can retreat into when threatened.