evolutionary changes that improve an organism’s chance of survival in its environment

a state that certain animals enter to save energy during periods of unfavourable weather conditions or food shortages

the variety of different types of life found in a particular area

a community of living organisms and their interactions with their environment

Plant and animal adaptations in cold environments

Geography

Location and physical characteristics of cold environments

The interdependence of biotic and abiotic components in cold environments

Development opportunities and challenges in Northern Canada

Value of cold environments

This unit teaches pupils about the location, characterisitics, opprtunities and challenges associated with one global environment, either hot deserts or cold environments. Pupils will also learn about plant and animal adaptation and about issues facing their chosen environment.

Hot desert and cold environments

evolutionary changes that improve an organism’s chance of survival

a state that animals enter to save energy during winter

a community of living organisms interacting with the environment

Match the lesson keywords to their definition.

Why do animals in cold environments have thick fur or feathers?

Deep roots to tap into underground nutrient and water stores

Fast-growing seeds to take advantage of the short growing season

Small seeds to be dispersed easily by the wind over a large area

Which of the following are ways in which cotton grass has adapted to tundra conditions?

Which of these animals enter full hibernation during the winter?

What are the two main types of cold environments?

Which of the following is an example of a polar environment?

They store large amounts of carbon and help regulate global temperatures

They provide warm habitats for many animals

What type of animal is well adapted to life in polar environments?

What type of trees are often found in cold environments?

Plant and animal adaptations in cold environments

Lesson outcome