Learning Objectives
- Differentiate between weather and climate
- Learn about climate and adaptation
- Know about animals in polar regions and tropical rainforests
- Understand how animals adapt to their environment
Key Concepts
Weather and Climate
Weather: Day-to-day condition of the atmosphere at a place (temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed). Weather changes frequently.
Climate: The average weather pattern of a place taken over a long period (25+ years). Climate is relatively stable.
Weather elements: Temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, cloud cover.
Climate and Adaptation
Adaptation: Special features or habits in organisms that help them survive in their specific habitat.
Polar Regions
Extremely cold, temperatures can go below -37°C. Covered with snow for most of the year. Very short days in winter (24-hour darkness).
Polar bear adaptations:
- White fur for camouflage in snow
- Thick layer of fat under skin for insulation
- Strong sense of smell to find prey under snow
- Wide, large paws for walking on snow and swimming
- Two layers of fur to trap warmth
Penguin adaptations:
- Streamlined body for efficient swimming
- Thick skin and layer of fat for warmth
- Huddle together for warmth
- White and black colouring for camouflage in water
Tropical Rainforests
Hot and humid, heavy rainfall throughout the year. Dense vegetation with enormous biodiversity.
Animal adaptations:
- Monkey: Long tail for gripping branches, hands and feet adapted for climbing
- Toucan: Long, large beak to reach fruits on thin branches
- Lion-tailed macaque: Silver-white mane, rain shedding fur, cheek pouches to store food
- Elephant: Large ears for cooling, trunk for picking food and spraying water
- Many animals are nocturnal to avoid daytime heat
- Bright colours for warning or camouflage
Migration
Some animals travel long distances seasonally to find better conditions (food, breeding). Example: Siberian crane migrates from Siberia to India in winter.
Summary
Weather is short-term atmospheric condition; climate is long-term average. Animals develop adaptations to survive their climate. Polar animals have thick fur/fat and camouflage. Tropical animals are adapted for climbing, finding food, and staying cool. Migration is another survival strategy.
Important Terms
- Weather: Day-to-day atmospheric condition
- Climate: Long-term weather pattern of a region
- Adaptation: Features that help survival in a habitat
- Camouflage: Blending with surroundings for protection
- Migration: Seasonal long-distance travel
Quick Revision
- Weather = daily, Climate = long-term average
- Polar: very cold, polar bear (white fur, fat, big paws)
- Tropical: hot, humid, dense forests, high biodiversity
- Adaptations: fur, fat, camouflage, body shape, behaviour
- Migration: Siberian crane (Siberia → India in winter)