Fish- Adaptations, Habitat and Niche
AP Environmental Science
Name ____________________________ Per. _______
An adaptation is any physical or behavioral characteristic that makes an organism more suited to survive and reproduce in its environment. Often the physical
traits (adaptations) of organism can provide valuable clues to where it lives (habitat), and how it makes its living (niche). Complete the table below using the
fish chart for fish of the San Francisco Bay and Northern Pacific Ocean. Provide a description of each characteristic recorded.
FISH NAME
BODY SHAPE
TAIL SHAPE
COLORATION
PATTERNS
MOUTH
ORIENTATION
MOUTH SIZE
& SHAPE
TEETH?
WHERE IN
WATER DO YOU
THINK IT LIVES?
WHAT DO
YOU THINK IT
EATS?
Over
Write a letter to your 5th grade sibling explaining the concepts of habitat and niche. Using fish as an example, explain
how physical characteristics (adaptations) can provide clues to its habitat and niche.