Populations in a particular environment that have adapted to living conditions in that specific area are therefore better able to meet their survival needs and are more likely to survive and reproduce offspring with those key survival traits.
Behavioral Adaptations
Behavioral adaptations are the things organisms do to survive.
Some Common Examples of Behavioral Adaptations:
Migration
Most people think of migration as the seasonal movement of a flock of birds. However, there are many other forms of animal migration, including journeys between east and west, complex round-trips involving land and ocean, journeys up and down mountains, and much more. What sets migration apart from other forms of movements is that migration typically involves travelling from one type of habitat to another.
|
|
Hibernation
Hibernation is a way for many organisms– from butterflies to bats – to survive cold, dark winters without having to forage for food or migrate to somewhere warmer. Instead, they turn down their metabolisms to save energy. Animals in hot climates also undergo a form of hibernation. This works in a similar way and allows them to survive extreme heat, drought or lack of food. Hibernating is much more than simply sleeping, though. Depending on the species, it can vary from long, deep unconsciousness to light spells of inactivity.
|
|
Traveling in herds Many animals naturally live and travel together in groups called herds. Goats, sheep, and llamas, for instance, live in herds as a form of protection. Fish swim in big schools. Baby ducks waddle in a straight line. Ants and bees divide up labor. The world is full of animals that live in groups and they do it for a few different reasons. For one, living in groups helps some animals avoid getting eaten by predators.
|
Pack HuntingCertain species of animals are social, forming communities to ensure group survival and well-being. Pack hunters are animals that work together to bring in prey. By hunting in packs, they can use more complex strategies to catch prey compared to hunting solo.
(Warning this video is somewhat graphic as predators catch prey) |
|
NocturnalNocturnal animals are characterized as being active during the night and sleeping during the day.
|
Instincts
(running, hiding, building nests, and much more)
Instinct is an behavior that is unlearned. Many animals are born with certain instincts which are common to all those in their species. Animal instinct is likely to be hereditarily based. This means that traits are passed on from generation to generation. An example of an animal instinct is when baby ducks are born. They know from the moment that they hatch that they are supposed to follow their mother. to stay safe or how a spider knows how to make a web.
|
Learned behaviorsIn general, a learned behavior is one that an organism develops as a result of experience. Learned behaviors are different than instincts, because learned behaviors are not genetically hardwired and can be performed without any experience or training. Of course, some behaviors have both learned and instinctive characteristics.
|
Communication/Socialization |
|
Video Guide:
|
|
Topic Tips
- Behavioral adaptations are the things organisms do to survive.