Adaptation

A trait that helps a living thing survive in its environment.

What is it?

An adaptation is a feature that helps an animal or plant live better in its home. The garden fruit chafer has bright colors that warn predators it might be toxic or bad-tasting. This is called aposematism. Other adaptations include sharp claws for climbing, thick fur for cold weather, or long roots for finding water. The Black Widow spider has venom as an adaptation to catch prey and defend itself. Darkling beetles have adaptations for dry environments: they can collect dew on their backs, they are active at night to avoid heat, and they can survive on very little water. Darkling beetles also have a hard exoskeleton that reduces water loss. The Brazilian salmon pink bird-eating tarantula has adaptations like urticating hairs that it flicks at predators, and venom to subdue prey. Its pinkish hairs may also serve as camouflage in the rainforest. The cactus longhorn beetle has adaptations for desert life: a hard exoskeleton to prevent water loss, long antennae to sense its surroundings, and a diet of cactus. The Gopher Tortoise has adaptations for digging: strong, shovel-like front legs and a hard shell to protect it while burrowing.

Why it matters

Adaptations help animals survive in their habitats. Studying adaptations helps scientists understand evolution and how species are connected to their environments.

Where you've seen it

This list grows as you capture more exhibits about adaptations.

适应

帮助生物在其环境中生存的特征。

这是什么？

适应是帮助动物或植物在其家园中生活得更好的特征。花园果实金龟有鲜艳的颜色，警告捕食者它可能有毒或难吃。这被称为警戒色。其他适应包括用于攀爬的锋利爪子、用于寒冷天气的厚皮毛或用于寻找水的长根。黑寡妇蜘蛛有毒液作为捕捉猎物和自卫的适应。暗色甲虫有适应干燥环境的特征：它们可以在背上收集露水，夜间活动以避免高温，并且可以在很少的水下生存。暗色甲虫还有坚硬的外骨骼以减少水分流失。巴西鲑鱼粉红食鸟蛛有适应特征，如向捕食者弹射的刺激性毛发，以及制服猎物的毒液。它的粉红色毛发也可能在雨林中起到伪装作用。仙人掌长角甲虫有适应沙漠生活的特征：坚硬的外骨骼防止水分流失，长触角感知环境，以及以仙人掌为食。沙龟有挖洞的适应：强壮、像铲子的前腿和坚硬的壳，在挖洞时保护自己。