Animals have physical traits and behaviors that help them survive, known as adaptations. Adaptations help animals obtain food, protect themselves, move, and reproduce. For example, a bird's feathers and beak shape are adaptations that allow it to fly and obtain different types of food. Animals also have adaptations like bright colors, shells, spines or secretions that help them avoid predators. Different animals move in ways like flying, swimming or running that help them escape from predators. Instincts are inherited behaviors that help animals meet their needs, like ducklings following their mother. Some animals deal with food shortages by migrating or hibernating.

1. Animals inherit characteristics from their parents. These special features and behaviors help them survive.

5. Examples of bird beaks Herons’ long sharp beaks are perfect for spearing fish.

6. Examples of bird beaks Finches eat mostly seeds. Their beaks are made for crackling shells of seeds

7. Examples of bird beaks Hummingbirds poke their long, sharp beaks into flowers to gather nectar

8. Other animals have adaptations that help them. Click on the picture to see the adaptation.