E. Answer the following in brief.
1. What is habitat?
A habitat is the natural home or environment where an organism lives, grows, and reproduces.
2. What is adaptation?
Adaptation is a special feature or behaviour that helps a living organism survive in its habitat.
3. How are terrestrial animals different from aquatic animals?
- Terrestrial animals live on land and breathe through lungs.
- Aquatic animals live in water and most breathe through gills.
4. Why does a frog breathe in water?
A frog breathes in water through its moist skin, which absorbs oxygen dissolved in water.
5. What is camouflage?
Camouflage is an adaptation in which an animal blends with its surroundings to hide from enemies or catch prey.
F. Write detailed notes on the following. Give examples where necessary.
1. Types of adaptation
There are three main types of adaptations:
- Structural adaptation: Physical features that help an organism survive.
Examples: Thick fur of a polar bear, webbed feet of ducks. - Behavioural adaptation: Actions or habits that help an organism survive.
Examples: Birds migrate in winter, bears hibernate. - Physiological adaptation: Internal body processes that help survival.
Examples: Camels conserve water, snakes produce venom.
2. Adaptations in terrestrial animals
Terrestrial animals are adapted to live on land.
- They breathe through lungs.
- They have strong legs for walking or running.
- Their bodies are covered with fur, hair, feathers, or scales for protection.
- They have well-developed sense organs.
- Some animals have sharp claws and teeth for hunting or protection.
Examples: Lion, elephant, horse, tiger, deer.
3. Adaptations in desert animals
Desert animals are adapted to survive in hot and dry conditions.
- They conserve water.
- They are active during the night to avoid heat.
- They have light-coloured bodies to reflect sunlight.
- They have long legs and broad feet to walk on sand.
Camel adaptations:
- Hump stores fat.
- Long eyelashes and closable nostrils keep out sand.
- Broad feet prevent sinking into sand.
- Can survive for many days without drinking water.
4. Adaptations for protection
Animals protect themselves from enemies in different ways.
- Camouflage: Blending with surroundings. (Chameleon, stick insect)
- Mimicry: Resembling another dangerous organism. (Viceroy butterfly)
- Shells: Protect soft bodies. (Tortoise, turtle, snail)
- Spines or quills: Prevent predators from attacking. (Porcupine, hedgehog)
- Poison or venom: Used for defence. (Snake, scorpion)
5. Adaptations in aquatic animals and amphibians
Aquatic animals
- Streamlined body helps them swim.
- Fins and tails help in movement.
- Fish breathe through gills.
- Many have scales that reduce friction.
Examples: Fish, whale, dolphin.
Amphibians
- Live both on land and in water.
- Young ones breathe through gills.
- Adult frogs breathe through lungs and moist skin.
- They have webbed feet for swimming.
Examples: Frog, toad, salamander.
G. Think and answer.
A giraffe usually sleeps standing up as it can take too long for a giraffe to get back up on its feet in case a predator comes within reach. Can we call this a behavioural adaptation? Why or why not?
Answer:
Yes, this is a behavioural adaptation because sleeping while standing is a behaviour that helps the giraffe escape quickly from predators and increases its chances of survival.