http://ecokids.earthday.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/climate/adaptations/index.cfm

behavioral adaptation – behaviors that allow animals to respond to life needs (hibernation, migration, instinct, learned behavior)

camouflage– an animal’s skin or fur coloring that allows an animal to blend in with its surroundings

hibernate – to be or become inactive or dormant (usually in winter)

learned behavior – behavior that is obtained by interacting with the environment and cannot be passed on to the next generation except by teaching

migrate – to travel, usually periodically, from one region or climate to another for feeding or breeding

mimicry – when one animal imitates the physical characteristics of another animal to avoid being eaten

physical adaptation – an alteration in an animal’s structure that helps it survive in that environment (examples include camouflage and mimicry) 

In this unit you will learn about how certain characteristics allow living things to survive in their environment.

• A bird uses its beak as a tool for eating
• Beaks of different shapes are suited to different kinds of food. The honeycreeper is a kind of bird. Different types of honeycreepers have beaks of different shapes. Each beak shape is an adaptation.
• An adaptation is a special characteristic that helps an organism survive in its environment.
• The wool of a lamb is an adaptation. It keeps the lamb warm. A warm coat helps the lamb survive cold winter days.
• A giraffe's long neck is an adaptation, too. It helps the giraffe find food in high places.
• The bright coloring of a flower is an adaptation. It attracts insects that help the flower reproduce.
• The shell of a turtle is an example of an adaptation that protects a living thing. When a turtle needs protection, it curls up inside its shell.
• A rabbit may use its speed for protection. If a predator comes too close, the rabbit can run to safety.
• Rabbits also use camouflage for protection. Camouflage is an adaptation that allows animals to blend into their surroundings. White rabbits blend in with the snow. Brown rabbits match their forest habitat.