Adaptation in a population of living things happens as a result of what is called an adaptive trait. This is any inheritable trait that helps it survive and live longer which means it can reproduce longer and have more offspring (who may also have that trait). Adaptive traits can improve an animal’s (or plant’s) ability to find (or make) food, make a safer home, out-compete its neighbors, escape predators, survive cold or heat or lack of water.
Read through the 7 living things in the poster below that could be found in your schoolyard. For each name the adaptive trait and what advantage it gives the animal (or plant).
