Nearly all of our MuseumMobile lessons for grade schoolers start out by defining one very important word:
ad·ap·ta·tion /ˌadapˈtāSH(ə)n/
noun
: something an animal (or any organism) has or does that helps it survive in its habitat.
Humans have loads of adaptations. Our big brains help us learn, problem solve, and make decisions. Opposable thumbs help us grip. Lungs facilitate air exchange between the atmosphere and our bodies.
Animals share many adaptations either because they are closely related (think humans and apes or hawks and eagles) or it can be because of convergent evolution, where animals independently develop similar traits because they fill similar roles in their habitat. Porcupines and hedgehogs both developed sharp quills to defend themselves from predators. Bats and insects have similarly-shaped wings for flight. Deer and bluegills have eyes on the side of their head to maximize their field of view.
There are also a set of traits common across the hunters of the animal kingdom. These characteristics are so effective that they have evolved in different types of animals to make them nearly perfect predators.
Over the next few weeks, we'll take a look at predator adaptations in my two favorite predators: raptors and cats. I've come to appreciate these animals in different ways. I get to see predator adaptations in my daily work with the Museum's education raptors. At home, I see similar traits in my cat, Calypso. I became so fascinated with my furry housemate that I recently completed coursework and earned the title of Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS). I can't wait to bring my work and personal animal passions together to discover what makes a perfect predator in upcoming blog posts!
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