These queen conch (Strombus
gigas) have a variety of
adaptations that make them
well-suited to live in the water.
Their hard shell protects them
from predators, and the
scalloped structure at the shell
opening helps the conch dig
into the sandy ocean bottom.
| Animal Adaptations Animals are well-adapted to
their surroundings, whether
their habitat is underwater or on
dry land. Each animal has
specific characteristics that help
it to survive. These images
show a variety of marine and
terrestrial animals that live on
and around South Caicos
Island.
Digital images courtesy of Drew Van
Voorhees, SFS Senior Intern
| 
This cushion sea star
(Oreaster reticulatus) is a
stunning example of an animal
that is well-adapted to its
habitat. When an arm is
broken off it can regenerate. It
has tube feet underneath for
movement, capturing its prey
(a clam or mussel), and
opening its prey. Its color also
helps it to blend in with its
surroundings. |
Look at the hummingbird just
to the right of center in this
picture. These wonderful birds
beat their wings up to 80 times
per second, and they can hover
in midair while they feed on the
nectar from flowers. Their long
beaks allow them to feed on
the nectar of deep,
trumpet-shaped flowers. | 
If you look closely at this
picture, you'll see a lizard.
What do you think is one of the
valuable adaptations it uses to
protect itself from predators? | 
Spiders are found all over the
world, and South Caicos is no
exception. Spider adaptations
include the remarkable ability
to spin a web, like the one you
see here. Spider webs help
spiders to capture and store
prey, and a single web can
help a spider raise and lower
itself from its web. |
