How have things changed?
Over time, animals and plants have adapted and evolved.
As a species we're constantly changing to adapt to the changing world around us.
When species adapt, the best features are inherited as only the strongest survive.
Video
Learn how things evolved with this song.
SINGER: You just evolve with it, but it will take some time
And you'll upgrade and then change
Don't let any problem get in your way
Or you'll find yourself put on display.
Giraffe’s have longer necks, the highest leaves to get.
Chameleon skin blends them in so they'll keep on living.
You could grow Some wings and then you could fly
Or even coat your body in slippery slime I think a bigger butt would do me fine
The road to evolution sure is slow
SINGER 2: It's slow, it's slow, so slow
SINGER: Generations adapt as they go
SINGER 2: They go, they go, they go
SINGER: Environments change, don't get left behind
SINGER 2: behind behind Do I have to sing it three times?
SINGER: The best features get inherited And the others
they go bye bye So just evolve with it,
and pick the greatest mate And then you keep on giving birth until yourdescendants inherit the earth
It's the reason we're still here today
Bacteria started billions of years ago
SINGER 2: Ago, ago, ago
SINGER: The more successful strains began to grow
To Grow to grow, yeah, I think they get it.
Complex organisms join the flow.
I mean, I'm adding nothing there.
Take a look at your family tree.
There we saw make many there, you know.
No offense. 'Cause you've evolved with it.
You've gained a bigger brain, lost body, hair, and you've dared to stand up and walk on two feet.
Oh, yeah, you are natural selection all the way Oh,and it's not the end. It's a process, my friend.
Animals change, change, again.
All they will not remain.
Seal, screw some blubber, it kept in the heat.
Bees vomited, nectar, and made funny.And yes, a bigger butt is good for me.
SINGER 2: Oh, I think you've got a nice butt.
SINGER: Thank you
How have animals adapted?
Animals have adapted slowly over time in lots of different ways.
Some animals such as chameleons, polar bears and leopards have adapted by using camouflage. This helps them to blend into their surroundings and avoid being hunted by predators - and it's really handy in a game of hide and seek!
Other animals have physical adaptations like a giraffe who has developed a longer neck to reach the leaves that grow up high.
Camels have adapted to live in the changing temperature of the desert where sometimes it can be very cold or extremely hot. They grow thick fur to keep them warm during the winter and then lose this in the summer to keep cool. They have bigger feet to help them walk on sand as well as developing a heat-resistant leathery pad on the bottom of each hoof, their knees and elbows which protects them from the scorching sand when they sit down. They really are dressed for every occasion.
Many animals have adapted their behaviour in order to survive. Penguins huddle together to keep warm and hedgehogs and bears hibernate during the long, cold winter months. Birds such as swallows, migrate from the UK to warmer climates such as Africa to survive the winter. Dolphins and salmon migrate to find warmer waters - that must be a long swim!
Horrible Science facts
You can learn about what animals and dinosaurs used to look like by studying their fossils.
You can learn more about fossils here.
Quiz: Evolve with it
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