Aquatic Animal Adaptations
Sharks
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.
Jellyfish
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. Some types of sea stars can even grow their entire body back from just one ray.
Dolphins
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.
