Adaptation (junior)

What is adaptation and where can I find out about it?

(Years 1-4)

A colour photo showing two polar bears, one large and one small, standing on all fours in the snow. — Image: Two polar bears standing in snow by Garst, Warren, 1922-2016, photographer, on Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0. Image cropped.

Entry last updated: 2/12/25

Introduction

Adaptation helps people and animals survive. Polar bears have adapted to living in the snow by growing white fur to make them harder to see. Cactus plants have adapted to living in the desert by storing water. Anglerfish have adapted to living in dark water by using light to catch food. Our ability to change and adapt is what helps us stay alive.

General websites

The websites below have information on the meaning of adaption, how animals adapt, and how adaption helps us to survive.

BBC Bitesize

BBC Bitesize is a free, fun resource for students. It contains lots of information on many different subjects.

Search for the keyword 'adaptation' using the search box in the top right corner.
Choose the result called What is adaptation?.

Tips: Websites that have .com or .co in the address can have good information, but you need to check that it's reliable. The BBC is a well-known news organisation overseas so we should be able to trust the information.

Britannica School Primary

This is one of the EPIC databases — a collection of databases covering lots of different topics. It's put together especially for New Zealand school students and helps to answer questions like this. You may need a password to access it.

Enter the keyword 'adaptation' into the large search box at the top of the page.
Choose the result called Adaptation (biology and physiology).
Click on the introduction to begin (link to final destination page)

Tips: To get to the EPIC resources you will need a password from your school librarian first. Or you can chat with one of our AnyQuestions librarians and they will help you online. Some EPIC databases may also be available through your public library.

Elementary (Gale in Context)

This is another EPIC database with lots of information, like book articles, magazine articles, and videos. You may need a password to access it.

Enter the keyword 'adaptation' into the search box in the top left corner of the page.
Under Book Articles choose Natural Selection.
You can select Level 2 in the top left corner for more detailed information.