Animals have an extraordinary ability to adapt and survive, even in the harshest of conditions. From the coldest places on earth to the hottest, you’ll find animals that are adapted to their individual habitat and climate in extraordinary ways. From a polar bear’s fur to a camel’s humps, here’s a look at some of these amazing adaptations.
Polar Bear
One of nature’s largest and most powerful predators, the polar bear is perfectly adapted for life in the Arctic Circle. Polar bears have the thickest fur of any bear and a 4-inch layer of blubber for insulation. Their fur, while appearing white, is actually translucent, which allows them to absorb more heat from the sun into their skin. They also have thick, padded paws and sharp, powerful claws for traversing icy landscapes and taking down large prey.
Being well adapted to the cold, polar bears do not hibernate during the winter like other bears do. In fact, it’s prime hunting time for them as most of the sea is frozen over, and seals, their main food source, are easier to catch.
Unfortunately, polar bears are an incredibly vulnerable species and are known as the poster child of climate change. It’s not uncommon for scientists and wildlife photographers to come across polar bears that are visibly emaciated. They depend on sea ice to hunt, and at the current rate of ice melting, conservationists warn that polar bears could be extinct by the end of the century.
Camel
Uniquely adapted to desert life, the camel is known for its distinct humps, which allow the animal to go long periods without any food or water. Contrary to popular belief, the camel doesn't store food or water in its humps. Rather, they serve as fat stores that can be converted into energy during long periods without food and water. A camel’s humps also help regulate their body temperature.
When a camel does find a water source, they have the ability to drink large volumes at once to rehydrate. They can consume over 100 liters of water in under 10 minutes. An extraordinary feat most other animals are not capable of.
Camels also have other adaptations for harsh desert life. They have long, thick eyelashes, and an additional eyelid to protect against sun, wind, and sand. Camels can also close their nostrils to prevent inhaling sand when the winds are high.
Devil’s Hole Pupfish
Known as the “hottest place on earth,” Death Valley regularly sees temperatures that can reach over 120 degrees; but even in the hottest of places, life finds a way. Found deep within an underground geothermal pool in Death Valley, the Devil’s Hole pupfish is amazingly adapted to survive in streamy, 92-degree water.
Besides being able to survive temperatures that would kill most other fish, Devil’s Hole pupfish are also uniquely adapted to the low oxygenation of the waters of Devil’s Hole. They enter a state of decreased physiological activity, body temperature, and metabolic rate known as paradoxical anaerobism. They’re also adapted to a varied diet. The Devil’s Hole pupfish will eat whatever is available, including algae and insects.
Unfortunately, due to their rarity and isolation, Devil’s Hole pupfish is one of the most inbred species in the world. Scientists are studying ways to boost the population, but the lack of genetic diversity spells an uncertain future for this unique species.
Antarctic Icefish
As cold-blooded as cold-blooded animals can get, the aptly named Antarctic icefish almost has ice in its veins. The key word being almost because this special breed of fish produces antifreeze proteins that keep its blood from freezing, which allows it to survive in the cold Antarctic waters.
The Antarctic icefish also has other unique adaptations. Its blood is virtually clear, due to a lack of hemoglobin, and its heart and gills are larger than most other fish to help them extract oxygen from the water more efficiently. They also have strong jaws and teeth to feed on small crustaceans such as krill, which are the main prey species in these frigid waters.
Scientists have been fascinated by the unique characteristics of the Antarctic icefish since they were first discovered in the 1950s. These rare fish offer valuable insights into evolutionary biology, particularly adaptations that allow organisms to survive in such extreme environments.
Desert Kangaroo Rat
Found in some of the hottest and driest places on earth, the desert kangaroo rat can amazingly survive without ever drinking a drop of water! They have a unique ability to extract water from the seeds they regularly consume.
Desert kangaroo rats are nocturnal and spend most of their days in underground burrows. At night, they forage for seeds, eating as much as possible and stuffing their cheek pouches to store seeds in their burrows for later. Their seed-heavy diet keeps them hydrated, while their underground burrows keep them cool during the day. This allows them to survive in some of the harshest of deserts, like Death Valley.
Another adaptation that helps the desert kangaroo rat survive is their ability to evade predators. They have excellent hearing and long hindlegs to propel themselves up to nine feet in the air when a predator approaches. In fact, the desert kangaroo rat was named for its unique kangaroo-like appearance and impressive ability to jump long distances.
