Science / Environment
ADAPTATION
Adaptation is the term for characteristics that make it possible for an animal to live in its habitat. Why do prairie dogs live in the prairie and bighorn sheep live in the mountains?
Each type of animal has special traits that have developed over time( adaptations). These traits allow an animal to do well in its habitat. A prairie dog can dig deep holes in the ground. It lives in burrows under the ground to protect it from the heat and cold and to hide from predators. Prairie dogs dig their burrows in or near areas of grass, which they eat. They live in colonies( large groups) so they can share predator-watching duties.
Rocky Mountain goats live high in the mountains. These animals need a lot of space between themselves and other animals. Rocky Mountain goats have special feet that help them climb the rocky, rugged mountain areas. Their hooves have spongy pads for gripping rocks as they move from one rock to another.
A pronghorn( antelope) would not live long in the same area where a Rocky Mountain goat lives. Antelope have legs and feet that are better for running swiftly across the open prairie. Their coat( hair) would not protect them from the bitter cold of the high mountains. Likewise Rocky Mountain goats
ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOATS EAT could not live
THE SHORT GRASSES, MOSSES long in
AND LOW GROWING BUSHES a prairie
FOUND ON STEEP MOUNTAIN habitat.
SLOPES. GOATS ARE SEEN LICKING THE SOIL. THEY ARE GETTING SALT AND MINERALS FROM THE SOIL. ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOATS HAVE HEAVY COATS THAT PROTECT THEM FROM COLD WINDS AND HIGH MOUNTAIN STORMS.
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Science Standards 3.1, 3.2 Reading / Writing 4