Adaptations: Related Content

  • Greenland Shark: One Species at a Time

    Scientists know the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) moves slowly in the Arctic's cold water. They also know that parasites attack the shark's eyes. But much about this animal remains a mystery. Marine biologist Greg Skomal says that's because the Greenland shark spends most of the year living under 6 feet of Arctic ice. Skomal works for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.

  • The Sant Ocean Hall: Life at the Poles Exhibit

    At the Poles, Life Thrives 
    Located beside the Shores and Shallows gallery (which highlights different kinds of coastal ecosystems around the world), the Poles area will take you to the ends of the earth and empower you with a broad understanding of life and physical conditions at both poles.
  • A rendering of an underwater marine scene from the Cambrian Period, featuring an arthropod, annelids, and other animals.

    Cambrian Period (542 – 488 Million Years Ago)

    The basic body plans of all modern animals were set during the Cambrian Period, 542 - 488 million years ago. Your friends, family, and pet turtle may not look much like the creatures here. But we and our fellow animals are heirs of these ancient ocean dwellers. Changes in Earth’s climate and ocean oxygen levels may have fueled rapid diversification during this period. Another possible cause may have been the interactions among the increasingly complex animals. Competition and predation often spark innovation. Not every Cambrian body plan was successful.

  • A rendering of an underwater marine scene from the Proterozoic Eon, featuring a creature that resembles a jellyfish and other organisms.

    Ediacaran Community, Proterozoic Eon (2,500 - 542 Million Years Ago)

    Earth’s first animals had soft bodies. This illustration shows a community of soft-bodied Ediacaran (edi-A-karan) animals. Some species resemble living ocean creatures. Others are unlike any known organisms and cannot be classified. Scientists have found fossils of these fauna in sedimentary rocks worldwide. Explore the ancient ocean in an image gallery or in our Ocean Over Time interactive.

     

  • A photo of a squid using bioluminescence to hide in the deep sea.

    Midwater Squid, Abralia veranyi

    Glowing photophores are visible on a squid (Abralia veranyi) viewed from below at low light levels. We think of light as a way to see in the dark. But many species use it to help them hide. This adaptation is called counterillumination. Seen from below, an animal might stand out as a dark shape against the brighter water above. By glowing on its underside, it can blend in.

  • Bioluminescent Animals Photo Gallery

    Bioluminescence is one of the more captivating adaptations that have evolved in marine animals. It's the ability of organisms to create and emit light. Dive underwater and you may witness lightshows of red, green, and blue. Chemical reactions release energy that produces the light. Many species use it to communicate; some use it to lure their next meal; and others emit light to ward off predators.

  • Arctic Lesson Plans from NOAA

    Chapter 3: Fragile Fauna
    Grade Level: 5-6
    Focus: Life Science- Gelatinous zooplankton in the Canada Basin 
    Description: In this activity, students will be able to compare and contrast at least three different groups of organisms that are includ
  • Sea star in a tide pool

    Tide Pools and Adaptations

    Adaptation is the key word if you are looking to survive in a tide pool, a space that some scientists describe as the most competitive real estate in the ocean.

    Tide pools are exposed to the water's ebb and flow, and plants and animals must adapt to survive wave turbulence, desiccation stress, predation, and competition for space and food. Not enough real estate on the rocks? Barnacles, sponges, bryozoan, and other animals live on top of whatever or whomever they can latch onto.

  • Several species of amphipods acclimate to different water salinities using osmoregulation

    Amphipod Under Arctic Sea Ice

    Several species of amphipod like this one, Gammarus wilkitzkii, live permanently within Arctic sea ice. These animals are endemic, meaning they only live here. They acclimate to a wide range of salt levels in the water using a physiological response called osmoregulation.

  • Walruses have evolved to survive the harsh Arctic conditions.

    Walrus on Ice

    The walrus has blubber under its skin to insulate the animal from frigid Arctic wind and water.  They also use their long tusks to break breathing holes in the ice.

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