What Are Adaptations? – Primary 6 PSLE Science Revision

Have you ever wondered…
🤔 Why camels can survive for days without water?
🤔 How chameleons “disappear” into their surroundings?
🤔 Or why some seeds can “fly” far away from their parent plant?

The answer is… ADAPTATIONS!

Adaptations are evolved features or behaviours that help living things survive in their environment. In this FREE lesson, we’ll explore what adaptations are, the different types of adaptations, and how they help plants and animals live, grow, and reproduce. Perfect for Primary 6 students prepping for PSLE — and curious parents too!

What Are Adaptations?

Adaptations are special features or behaviours that help plants and animals survive in their environment.

They come in two types:

1. Structural Adaptations → Physical body parts (e.g. sharp teeth, thick fur, colourful petals).
2. Behavioural Adaptations → Actions or habits (e.g. hunting at night, migrating to warmer places).

👉 Think of adaptations as “survival superpowers” given to living things by nature!

Why Do Organisms Need Adaptations?

Living things need adaptations to:
✅ Survive extreme weather (hot desert, cold Arctic)
✅ Find and eat food
✅ Escape from predators
✅ Reproduce successfully (attract mates, disperse seeds)

Without adaptations, many plants and animals would not survive.

Animal Adaptations – Examples

Camel

• Humps store fat (energy when food is scarce)
• Long eyelashes keep sand out of eyes
• Can go without water for many days

Chameleon

• Changes colour to blend with surroundings (camouflage)
• Long sticky tongue to catch insects fast

Plant Adaptations – Examples

Cactus

• Thick stem stores water
• Spines instead of leaves reduce water loss
• Waxy coating prevents evaporation

Seed Dispersal – How Seeds Travel!

Seeds also adapt so they don’t all grow under the parent plant (where there may not be enough space, sunlight, or water).

• Wind dispersal → Seeds with wings/hairs (e.g. angsana, dandelion)
• Animal dispersal → Hooks/tasty fruits (e.g. rambutan, mango)
• Water dispersal → Fibrous husks (e.g. coconut)

Why Adaptations Matter

Adaptations keep ecosystems in balance. Without them, species might not survive changes in the environment.

That’s why it’s important to protect habitats and ecosystems — so life on Earth can continue to thrive.

🎯 Ready for PSLE Science?

Get your FREE Adaptations Worksheet for Primary 6 students!
Includes:
✔ MCQs
✔ Fill in the Blanks
✔ Match the Columns
✔ Short Answer Questions
⭐ BONUS: Higher-Order Thinking Question!

Perfect for PSLE practice and revision!

👉 Download: Primary 6 Adaptations Worksheet (PDF)