Animal Adaptations

The Big QuestionAnimal Adaptations

This past SundayI went to an animal hospital because my bunny was sick.

Alfred Russel Wallace

-British explorer and scientistHis Question (1858)Question: How do animals change???Answer: On the whole, the best fitted live and pass down their genes.

Survival of the FittestSurvive:To go on living, to not die

Survival of the FittestFit:

Survival of the FittestFit:In good health, in good shape

Survival of the FittestThe best fitted will live.The healthiest animals survive from disease.The fastest animals survive from being eaten.

OK So, how do animals change?

Long, long time ago, giraffes had shorter necks.There was too much competition for food.Some giraffes had a bit longer necks.They could find food better!

Animals Change Over TimeLong, long ago

Animals Change Over TimeLong ago

Animals Change Over TimeA bit long ago

Animals Change Over TimeNowadays

VariationsVariations: differences in animalsExample: Some giraffes had little bit shorter necks, and some giraffes had little bit longer necks.

Passing Down TraitsAnimals pass down their traits to their offspring.Pass downTraitsOffspring

parentChild (offspring)parentChild (offspring)Natural SelectionNature: the world of living things and outdoorsSelect: to chooseSo What is natural selection?Similar to the idea of survival of the fittestNature chooses who will survive and who will die

Youve Got Mail!Wallace sent his ideas to Charles DarwinCharles Darwin: a respected scientist in England

Charles DarwinHe was shocked to see Wallaces finding!It was too similar to what he has been working on!Charles Darwin: the father of evolutionEvolution: a theory which states that animals evolve (change) over time

His Work on Galapagos IslandsGalapagos Islands

Galapagos FinchesFinch: a type of birdDarwin saw many variations.He came up with the theory of natural selection by studying these finches.

Clever CompromiseWallaces and Darwins works were published together.