Life - It Is A-Changin'....

This week's assignment was to find examples of adaptation in nature.  Adaptations are characteristics that help an individual to survive to adulthood and reproduce.  We're talking animals and plants.  The organisms with the adaptations that are best suited to their environment are able to survive.  They compete with members of their own species for resources and mating rights.  They compete with members of other species for even more resources and their niche in the ecosystem.

There were five different categories to search for photos - size, warning coloration, hidden or blended coloration, shape and showy display behavior.  We were to take photos of three of the categories with the possibility of a bonus category for any behavior that depicts nesting, food gathering, advertising or warning.  So let's see what I found....

1. Hidden or Blended Coloration

My first photo is at the railing near the spring at Ha Ha Tonka State Park.  Can you see the tiny insect?  I haven't been able to identify the insect, but it is a perfect example of hidden or blended coloration.  Camouflage enables an organism to remain hidden from view.  It's a mechanism that is used for protection from predators.

2. Shape

This was also taken at Ha Ha Tonka State Park as I was walking on the Spring Trail.  Turtles are a great example of shape as an adaptation.  The turtle is sleek, has a rounded shell, and feet that are slightly webbed that make it an excellent swimmer.  The shape and composition of the shell also help to protect it from predators.

3. Size and Shape

I'm classifying these as size and shape adaptations.  These two pictures are from the same bush along the Spring Trail at Ha Ha Tonka.  The thorns are the adaptations on this bush.  They protect the plant from being eaten or destroyed by animals.  The shape is important for protection, but the size of the thorn can be just as important.  These thorns are on the large side.  Thorns can be very small and thin, or large and woody like you see here.

Bonus:  Behavior

And a little bonus photography!  Both pictures were taken along the Spring Trail at Ha Ha Tonka State Park.  The top picture is of a Canadian goose.  It was completely alone.  No other geese around which I found odd because I always see at least three together.  This made me wonder if it was in fact a nesting female.  Could be.....

The second photo is of a turkey vulture circling for food.  Turkey vultures are known for circling their dead prey before they finally land and start to feed.  There were multiple places in the park where I saw turkey vultures circling that day.  Finally, I decided a picture was in order.  It's hard to get pictures of animals as they are foraging for food - and this was definitely are foraging behavior.

I hope you've enjoyed this week's edition of "Life In All Matter."  Coming next week are pictures of food chains and energy flow.

Until then, 

Clara