Amazing Adaptations of Ocean Animals

What Are Animal Adaptations

Every animal has adaptations to make it easier for them to live. An adaptation is a body part or behavior that has occurred over time. Animals must evolve to their changing environments to help keep them alive. Over time, some ocean animals haven’t changed a lot, while others look and act much differently.

Examples of Shark Adaptations

Sharks are very good at finding prey. They have streamlined bodies to help them swim fast and gills that take oxygen out of the water so they can breathe. One amazing shark adaptation is called the Ampullae of Lorenzini. The Ampullae of Lorenzini are small holes or pores found on sharks’ noses. Each pore has sensory organs inside which allow sharks to sense electric fields put off by other fish and animals. This helps a shark find prey even if that prey animal is still and quiet. Amazing!

Examples of Jellyfish Adaptations

Jellies have many different adaptations. Most jellies are clear which makes it hard for predators to see them. The Medusa jelly can shrink in size when there isn’t enough food.

Sea stars don’t have a lot of ways to protect themselves so their adaptation for survival is being able to grow back their arms if they lose one. Their arms are called rays and the sea star knows how many they are supposed to have. If a sea star gets hurt or an animal bites off one of their rays, it will automatically grow back. Some types of sea stars can even grow their entire body back from just one ray.

Types of Stingray Adaptations

Stingrays often live near shallow ocean bottoms where there is sand. Stingrays will cover their body in sand to help them hide. They have eyes on top of their bodies so they can see when they are resting or hiding in the sand.

Interesting Dolphin Adaptations

Dolphins are mammals and need air to breathe. They breathe through an adaptation called a blowhole. The blowhole is on the top of their head so they can rest at the surface of the water and still be aware of possible predators.

Learn More About Marine Animal Adaptations

There are so many ocean animals with amazing adaptations! I have learned about a lot of them visiting the amazing animal experiences at SeaWorld San Diego and read about more every day.