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