Digital Interactive Content

Adaptations

Swim bladder (buoyancy in most fish)

While most animals cannot survive in the harsh arctic, the polar bear is well adapted to cope with the cold. Observe its various adaptations that help it to survive in its environment.

Oils in livers (buoyancy in sharks)

Unlike most fish which rely on their swim bladders to maintain buoyancy, sharks have different adaptations, such as having large fins or livers that contain oil.

Webbed feet

Since ducks spend most of their time hunting in water, the position of their legs and their webbed feet make them well-adapted to moving in water! This however, means that they move awkwardly on land, giving rise to their signature waddle!

Streamlined shape

A streamlined shape reduces the water or air resistance

Skin flaps

Mammals such as the sugar glider or flying squirrel are not capable of true flight. Instead, skin flaps between their wrists and ankles allow them to glide long distances in the air to escape from predators.

Flying in formation

Migrating birds such as geese, pelicans and ducks fly long distances in a V-shaped formation. The movement of the air created by the flapping wings of birds in the front allow birds behind to expend less energy as they fly.

Beavers

Observe the diverse range of structural and behavioural adaptations of beavers that allow them not only to thrive in, but change, their environment!