Adaptations
Are changes in physical forms or behaviors
brought about by natural selection that enable
an organism to better survive in its natural
habitat.
Many adaptations have to do with getting
food and oxygen, moving or staying in one
place, protection, or living in certain places.
Aquatic Organisms and their adaptations…
What adaptations to living
in water can be seen on
these stream animals?
Crayfish
Mayfly
Burrowing Mayfly
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hard outer “shell” provides protection
Hooks on feet anchors in moving water
Streamlined shape
Gills on the two insects
Claws on the crayfish for gathering food
and fighting, display
Paddle-shaped tail on the crayfish for
swimming
1
2
4
Crayfish
Mayfly
Burrowing Mayfly
What adaptations on these insects are used for
getting oxygen?
Water Penny Larva
Caddisfly Larva
Gills – feathery structures on the body
What adaptations on these insects are used for
locomotion?
Water Strider
Paddle shaped feet for
“rowing” through the water
Very thin legs to
walk on top of the
water
Water Boatman
What adaptations on these animals are used
for staying in one place?
Blackfly larva
Mussel
Muscular
“foot”
Suction cup
What adaptations on these animals are used
for gathering food?
Siphons water in and
out to filter the food
Brushes in front of
mouth for filtering
water
Head of a
Dragonfly nymph
What do you think is the
purpose of the lower lip?
The lower lip
extends out in front
of the head and
captures prey to
bring back to the
mouth to eat. It can
eat tadpoles and
minnows larger
than it is.
How are these fish adapted for locomotion
through the water?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Streamlined shape
Slimy body
Fins for stabilizing
Strong tail fin for
movement
Which of these turtles is the most aquatic?
How can you tell?
Softshell Turtle
Box Turtle
Softshell Turtle –
streamlined shape,
webbed feet
Red-eared Slider
What are each of these feet adapted for?
Heron
Walking on soft mud
(like a snow-shoe)
Duck
Paddling in water
(boat oar)
Catching and holding
slippery fish
(cooking tongs)
Osprey