Adaptations

Are changes in physical forms or behaviors

brought about by natural selection that enable
an organism to better survive in its natural
habitat.
Many adaptations have to do with getting
food and oxygen, moving or staying in one
place, protection, or living in certain places.

Aquatic Organisms and their adaptations

What adaptations to living
in water can be seen on
these stream animals?

Crayfish

Mayfly

Burrowing Mayfly

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Hard outer shell provides protection

Hooks on feet anchors in moving water
Streamlined shape
Gills on the two insects
Claws on the crayfish for gathering food
and fighting, display
Paddle-shaped tail on the crayfish for
swimming

1
2
4

Crayfish

Mayfly

Burrowing Mayfly

What adaptations on these insects are used for

getting oxygen?
Water Penny Larva
Caddisfly Larva

Gills feathery structures on the body

What adaptations on these insects are used for

locomotion?
Water Strider

Paddle shaped feet for

rowing through the water
Very thin legs to
walk on top of the
water

Water Boatman

What adaptations on these animals are used

for staying in one place?
Blackfly larva
Mussel

Muscular
foot

Suction cup

What adaptations on these animals are used

for gathering food?
Siphons water in and
out to filter the food
Brushes in front of
mouth for filtering
water

Head of a
Dragonfly nymph

What do you think is the

purpose of the lower lip?

The lower lip

extends out in front
of the head and
captures prey to
bring back to the
mouth to eat. It can
eat tadpoles and
minnows larger
than it is.

How are these fish adapted for locomotion

through the water?

1.
2.
3.
4.

Streamlined shape
Slimy body
Fins for stabilizing
Strong tail fin for
movement

Which of these turtles is the most aquatic?

How can you tell?
Softshell Turtle

Box Turtle

Softshell Turtle
streamlined shape,
webbed feet
Red-eared Slider

What are each of these feet adapted for?

Duck

Heron

Walking on soft mud

(like a snow-shoe)

Paddling in water
(boat oar)

Catching and holding

slippery fish
(cooking tongs)

Osprey