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SAI International School
Subject - Biology, class-VI
Topic- Adaptation in living organisms
Subtopic- Adaptations for Terrestrial Habitats (Polar & Mountain
regions, Grasslands & Tropical rain forests)
Module- 26
Lesson notes

POLAR AND MOUNTAIN REGIONS:
• At high altitudes, the weather condition is generally cold and windy.
• The polar region is covered with snow.
• Examples of some plants found here - Pine and Conifers
• Examples of some animals found here - Yak, Mountain goat, Ship, Polar
bear, Penguin, etc.
ADAPTIVE FEATURES OF PLANTS FOUND AT HIGH ALTITUDE
i. They are conical in shape which allows snow to slide off easily, otherwise,
the branches will fall off due to the weight of the snow.
ii. Leaves are needle-like shape and are covered with a waxy coating to
prevent transpiration.
iii. The plant shows a reduced rate of transpiration and photosynthesis
during winters.
ADAPTIVE FEATURE OF ANIMALS IN THE POLAR & MOUNTAIN REGIONS:

Yak-
• Have thick hair to keep them warm.
• Use their horns and hooves to break the ice on the ground and graze.
Mountain goats -
• Have strong hooves for moving up and down the rocky terrain.
Polar bears & snow leopards-
• Have thick skin or fur to protect them from cold.
Penguins -
• Have oily and waterproof feathers.
• The fat layer under the skin to regulate body temperature.

HIBERNATION

• Polar animals undergo long sleep called hibernation during extremely
cold conditions.
• During this time, the animal saves energy and survives the winter
without eating much food.

GRASSLANDS-
• Have various types of plants and trees.
• The weather conditions are generally dry and windy.
• It supports a rich variety of flora and fauna.
• Grasses- Eg. Andropogon, Koeleria
• Small plants- Eg. lupines, milkweed, and coneflower.
• Animals- Eg. deer, rabbit, mice, fox, snake, and lion.