*List/describe 3 adaptations of your animal (special features or behaviors that help it survive in its habitat, e.g. webbed feet, fur).
If we consider the animal as a cat, here are three adaptations that help it survive in its habitat:
1. Excellent Night Vision: Cats have evolved to possess exceptional night vision, enabling them to navigate and hunt efficiently, mainly in low-light conditions. Their eyes contain a higher concentration of rod cells, which are responsible for detecting light and differentiating shades of gray. Additionally, cats have a reflective layer behind their retinas called the tapetum lucidum that enhances their vision by reflecting light back through the retina, effectively giving them a second chance to capture any available light. This adaptation allows them to spot prey, such as rodents or small birds, even in darkness.
2. Flexible Body and Sharp Claws: Cats have a highly flexible spine and immensely elastic bodies. This flexibility aids in their superb agility when pursuing prey or navigating through narrow spaces, such as tree branches, fences, or undergrowth. Coupled with their sharp claws, which can retract when not in use, cats can easily climb trees, pounce, and grasp onto objects when hunting or defending themselves. This adaptation allows them to maneuver swiftly, catch elusive prey, and evade potential threats.
3. Whiskers and Sensitive Tactile Hairs: Cats possess long, specialized hairs called whiskers (vibrissae) on their face and legs. Whiskers are rooted deeply in nerve-rich follicles and are highly sensitive to touch. They act as a precise detection system, helping cats perceive their surroundings, even in darkness or confined spaces. Whiskers help them sense vibrations in the air and detect changes in airflow, thus giving them a clear understanding of objects and movements nearby. By utilizing their sensitive whiskers, cats can avoid obstacles, judge distances accurately, and even detect potential predators or prey that may not be visible to the naked eye.