Our planet teems with astonishing animals, from the octopi of the great Atlantic to the spiny mice and clawed frogs of Africa. Each species is more incredible than the last. And part of what makes our diverse wildlife so amazing is its innate ability to evolve to withstand unique and ever-changing environments.
Many of these developments go far beyond basic instinct. Learn about some of the most incredible adaptations animals have developed to survive and discover the fascinating truth behind the species that reside on our planet.
Incredible Camouflage
The dusty brown coat of a buck blending into the forest’s backdrop doesn’t exactly inspire thoughts of astonishing animal science, but camouflage is one of the most beneficial animal adaptations. This incredible tool helps predators hunt their prey, and conversely, it’s often what keeps prey from becoming an easy meal.
Mammals
Camouflage can be far more sophisticated than we think. For instance, did you know that tigers in South Asia have orange coats because the specific type of deer they hunt perceives the color as brown? As for their stripes, they mimic the shadows in the brush that grows in their habitat.
Sea Creatures
The great Pacific octopus uses microscopic crystalline structures known as photonic crystals to change the color and pattern of its skin. This characteristic helps this hyperintelligent creature blend into the varying shades of coral reefs and the open ocean.
Arachnids
Even certain species of spiders can change the pigment of their bodies from yellow to white depending on which type of flower their pollinator prey prefers. In short, camouflage is one of the most incredible evolutionary adaptations we see in wildlife species globally.
Cold and Anti-Freezing Protections
Preventing sickness or death due to cold is another remarkable adaptation that animals use to survive in less-than-ideal environments. This particular adaptation is found in various species. Here are a few of the most fascinating:
- Alaskan wood frogs: These guys can freeze themselves up to -80 degrees Fahrenheit using hyper-concentrated glucose in their organs and tissues. This prevents their cells from shrinking and dying in extreme cold. Once spring rolls around, they can thaw themselves back out.
- Antarctic fish: Several species of Antarctic fish possess the ability to create their own “anti-freeze” proteins to survive the coldest place on the planet. These specialized proteins bind to ice crystals that form in the fish’s blood, which keeps them from freezing in the frigid oceans of the region.
In short, the animal kingdom is rife with unique wildlife. Each species possesses its own fascinating adaptations that have helped it thrive in the diverse ecosystems that cover our planet. Hopefully, we were able to teach you about just a few of these natural marvels in this brief guide.
