Notes

Animal behaviours in extreme environments

Animals can find themselves in tough situations such as soaring high temperatures and freezing cold temperatures. However some are able to adapt to these situations and live through these conditions. Whether it would be going out at night after a hot day or decreasing water loss, animals have different ways to react.

Australia can be very hot during the summer, especially in deserts . Carnivorous animals such as snakes hunt during the night when it is less hot and are able to see during night with thermoreceptors so they are able to scout our warm-blooded animals. Bilbies are also well developed for the hot temperatures as they use their whiskers and nose at night so they are able to navigate to find their food.

Antarctica is a very cold desert located at the bottom of the earth where temperatures reach below 0 degrees celsius. Animals such as the polar bear have very thick white fur which keeps them warm under and camouflaged with the snow. They also have very sensitive noses which can sense out prey, even underground. Being underground is another way to keep warm, especially during a blizzard where temperatures drop even further.

Deserts usually contain a very scarce amount of food and water. Animals can adapt to these situations by storing water and energy as fat on their body for the right time. Animals can put hold to reproduction and produce highly concentrated urine to reduce the amount of water lost therefore being able to stay hydrated for a long period of time.

Over evolution, animals change their ways to new situations. Whether this would be in the hot desert or cold places, either way the animals that live their usually have a way to survive in these harsh conditions.