Weather, Climate & Adaptations of Animals to Climate
Class 7 Science – Detailed Explanation with Examples
1. What is Weather?
Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. It includes temperature, rainfall, humidity, sunshine, and wind. Weather can change quickly from one hour to the next. For example, it might be sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon.
2. What is Climate?
Climate is the average weather condition of a place over a long period of 30 years or more. It helps us know the general pattern – whether an area is usually hot, cold, wet, or dry. For example, Rajasthan has a hot and dry climate, while Kerala has a hot and wet climate.
3. Difference Between Weather and Climate
Weather is short-term and changes frequently, while Climate is long-term and stable.
4. Factors Affecting Climate
Several factors decide the climate of a region: Latitude (distance from the equator), Altitude (height from sea level), Distance from the sea, Relief features like mountains, and ocean currents. Together, they make each place unique.
5. Adaptations of Animals to Climate
Animals develop special features called adaptations to survive in their environment. These can be structural (body parts), behavioral (actions), or physiological (internal processes).
6. Live Examples
1) Camel – Ship of the Desert
Camels live in hot deserts. Their long legs keep their body away from hot sand. They have thick eyelashes and nostrils that can close to protect from sandstorms. Their hump stores fat which is used for energy. They can survive for days without water, and their urine is highly concentrated to reduce water loss.
2) Polar Bear – King of the Arctic
Polar bears live in extremely cold regions. They have thick white fur for camouflage and insulation. A layer of blubber keeps them warm in icy waters. Their wide paws help them walk on ice and swim long distances. They can smell prey from far away and hunt seals for food.
3) Emperor Penguin – Survivor of Antarctica
Emperor penguins live in the coldest climate on Earth. They have a thick layer of feathers and fat to keep warm. They huddle together in large groups to conserve heat during extreme winters. The males protect eggs on their feet under a warm skin fold while the females go to the sea for food.
4) Fennec Fox – Desert Specialist
The fennec fox has very large ears that release body heat, keeping it cool in the Sahara desert. Its pale fur reflects sunlight and its thick soles protect feet from burning sand. It is mostly nocturnal, coming out at night to avoid daytime heat.
5) Yak – High Mountain Dweller
Yaks live in the cold, high mountains. They have long, shaggy hair and a thick undercoat for insulation. Their large lungs and blood composition help them survive in thin air at high altitudes. They graze on tough grasses and are an important part of mountain life.
7. Why Adaptations Matter
Adaptations are necessary for survival. Without them, animals would not be able to cope with extreme temperatures, scarce food, or difficult habitats. Studying adaptations helps us understand nature and protect biodiversity, especially in times of climate change.
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