Video summary
Understanding adaptation is an important part of understanding natural selection and evolution.
Our journey through adaptations begins with the Texas blind salamander and how it is adapted to living in the dark.
We then move to the fox, and see three different kinds of fox.
Each fox is discussed in turn to illustrate how and why they are adapted to different habitats.
A seahorse and cuttlefish are used to demonstrate camouflage, which leads on to a discussion about how adaptation occurs with the example of a moth.
This clip is from the series Natural world of plants and wildlife.
Teacher Notes
Key Stage 2
Could be used to introduce ideas of adaptation, following on from the clip, pupils could be asked to describe conditions within a habitat such as the arctic of the desert.
They could then be given examples of organisms from these habitats and asked to discuss in groups how the animals are suited to those habitats, what do they have that helps them to survive? Applying what they have learnt.
Key Stage 3
Could be used to introduce or recap adaptation depending on ability then extended into more difficult organisms such as cacti, or more unusual examples such as the angler fish.
For higher ability, adaptations of microorganisms could be discussed.
This clip will be relevant for teaching science at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland or Second/Third Level in Scotland.
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