When we observe plants and animals in different environments, we notice a large variety of organisms, each uniquely adapted to their surroundings. For example, the organisms found in a desert differ greatly from those found in the sea. The conditions in these two regions are vastly different, influencing the types of plants and animals that thrive there.

Desert vs. Sea Environments

Desert: Deserts have very little water, extreme temperatures (hot during the day and cold at night), and sandy soil. Animals and plants living in the desert have adapted to survive with minimal water and can withstand significant temperature changes. For instance, camels have long legs to keep their bodies away from the hot sand, excrete minimal urine, produce dry dung, and sweat very little. These adaptations help them conserve water and survive for long periods without it.

Sea: In the sea, organisms are surrounded by salty water and typically use the dissolved air in the water. Fish, for instance, have streamlined bodies to help them move efficiently through water. Their bodies are covered with slippery scales that reduce friction. Fish have fins and tails that aid in changing directions and maintaining balance, and gills that allow them to extract oxygen from water.

Adaptation

Adaptation refers to the presence of specific features or behaviours that enable an organism to live in a particular habitat. These adaptations are crucial for survival and reproduction in their respective environments. For example, a fish is adapted to live in water with gills and fins, whereas a camel is adapted to live in the desert with features that help it conserve water.

Habitat

The habitat is the natural environment where an organism lives and thrives. It provides the necessary elements such as food, water, air, shelter, and other needs for survival. Habitats can be broadly categorized into: