EXTREME

ADAPTATIONS
 1.
Extreme Desert Adaptations

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 THORNY DEVIL

The Thorny Devil is a lizard that is usually found

in the desert and if filled with extraordinary
structural adaptations, from its thorny body to
its false head.
❧ The thorny devil has a red, yellows and
browns to camouflage, and spikes.
❧ Special teeth to lock and act as shearing
tools to get through tough bodies
❧ False head
❧ Ability to consume water through its feet!

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 KANGAROO RAT

Due to the extremely hot deserts in which they

live in, kangaroo rats must adapt to the frequent
droughts and lack of water.
❧ Massive hind legs that can jump up to 9ft
❧ Black eyes and good sense of hearing
❧ The ability to get all the water they need
from a daily diet of seeds
❧ The ability for their kidneys to reduce and
concentrate their urine to an almost
crystal like currency to reduce water loss.

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 BARREL CACTUS

The barrel cactus, which is found in the desert

regions of North America have adapted
wonderfully to the dry and hostile climate.The
adaptations have not only helped them survive
but become the most abundant form of plant in
the desert.
❧ Stem reservoir
❧ Minimalistic loss of water through spines.
❧ Allows easy access of fruits
❧ Greatest water to surface ratio.
❧ Specialised root system

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Snow Tundra
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 Antarctic Notothenioids

The Antarctic Notothenioids also known as

antifreeze fish have developed adaptations to help
them to survive in below zero degree water.
𖦹 They contain an antifreeze protein
𖦹 The proteins work by attaching to small ice
crystals forming in and on the fish and
stunning their growth.
𖦹 This allows the fish to survive even water
permafrost conditions.

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 ARCTIC WOODLAND FROG

Arctic Woodland are the only known frogs to live in the

freezing cold environment of the arctic.
During winter when food is scarce, the arctic frog is
known to freeze itself in order to survive extreme cold.
𖦹 Due to the increased production of glucose
and urea which acts as natural antifreeze
agents.
𖦹 These protect the cells from damage from the
rough ice forming in the body.
𖦹 During this time, the frog’s heart and other
major components will stop working making
it look frozen and dead.

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gene called Slc25a14
gene called Slc25a14
HIMALAYAN MARMOT

The Himalayan Marmot is a marmot species that

inhabits arctic lands at extremely high altitude. It has a
unique gene that allows it to adapt to the cold.
❧ It's unique gene plastic an important
neuroprotective role.
❧ It prevents excess growth of blood vessels under
low oxygen conditions.
❧ It hibernates for over six months and during this
time it's unique gene expression creates changes
in it's nervous system that allow it's brain stem
cells to repair injuries better.

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RAINFOREST
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 LEAF TAILED GECKO

This nocturnal animal is found on the high

branches of trees cleverly concealed from
predators such as snakes and birds of prey.
❧ Crown skin to camouflage
❧ Rough skin texture and the ability to
flatten body to reduce shadow.
❧ Ability to shed tail
❧ Like any gecko, ability to climb vertical
surfaces.

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 FLYING FROG

This extraordinary frog has the ability to glide

from the treetops to escape from predators and
breeding.
❧ Long toes and completely webbed feet for
increases surface area.
❧ Powerful hind legs
❧ Ability to jump upto 50 feet.
❧ Ability to regulate body temperature by
changing color.

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 INDIAN PIPE PLANT

Beyond its ghostly appearance, what makes Indian pipes

so interesting is that these plants do not seek an energy
source from above, but rather from below the ground.
Without a strong source of sunlight on the forest floor,
chlorophyll and photosynthesis are ineffective. Instead,
this plant adapted a parasitic relationship with
mycorrhizal fungi found on tree roots. The fungi is
already in symbiosis with the tree roots, acting like a
“middleman” connecting the photosynthesizing tree
with the Indian pipes. Scientists believe this relationship
does not cause harm to the tree.

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Presentation Sources

❧ Leaf Tailed Gecko

❧ Indian Pipe Plant
❧ Flying Frog
❧ Himalayan Marmot
❧ Arctic Woodland Frog
❧ Arctic Notothenioids
❧ Barrel Cactus
❧ Kangaroo Rat

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THANKS!