Claws
Many land and sea animals alike have developed sharp claws. Sharp claws can be used for many
different purposes. For instance, many herbivores use their sharp claws for digging for berries, roots,
and herbs or burrowing for shelter. Animals that eat meat may use their claws for killing their prey or
tearing meat from their kills. Also, claws can be used to increase traction to run faster, as in the case of
the cheetah. Other times, sharp claws have evolved for use in defense. For some animals, showing of
claws is enough warning for their predators or competitors to back off. There are many animals at the
Milwaukee County Zoo with sharp claws, including many of the bears and felines, as well as aquatic
animals like the California sea lion.
Whiskers
Although not usually thought of as an adaptation, whiskers serve an important
purpose for many animals. In most cases, whiskers around the face, specifically the
mouth area, help the animal feel its way through tight spots. In a way, they serve as
"feelers," telling the animal whether or not it can fit into a specific area. One example
is that of the North American river otter, which can use its whiskers both on land and
in water. On land, they are used to feel their way through narrow channels, with a
similar purpose for the whiskers under water. They are also useful to sense prey.
Sharp Teeth
One of the most visible adaptations on many animals, sharp teeth help an animal eat meat.
Found primarily on meat-eating animals, or carnivores, sharp teeth are used mainly for
the tearing and chewing of an animal's prey. Rather than developing the dull teeth of
plant-eaters, or herbivores, carnivores rely on their sharp teeth to allow them to eat and
survive. Sharp teeth can serve another purpose: defense. In some animals, bearing a
large set of sharp teeth can show power or fear. The Milwaukee County Zoo features
many animals with sharp teeth. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to see this distinctive feature. Some
animals that we suggest you watch are the snow leopard, cheetah, African lion, mandrill and lowland
gorilla.
Large Beaks
Just as in the case of sharp teeth, large beaks are often an adaptation used to help
an animal eat. However, large (and often sharp) beaks can be a feature of both
carnivores and herbivores. For instance, the large beak of the macaw has been
adapted to help it crack open large nuts to reach the sweet fruit and pulp inside.
On other birds however, the large beak is used to tear meat, as in the case of the rhinoceros hornbill.
The rhinoceros hornbill uses its large beak to tear meat off of an animal it scavenges -- usually the
result of another animal's kill.
Wings/Flying
Wings are another highly visible adaptation on many animals. Although most think of birds
when it comes to wings, other animals like the vampire bat also have wing-like structures
that help it fly. Of course, the primary function of wings is flight in most animals
with wings. Animals like the golden eagle and peregrine falcon can reach speeds
up to and above 60 miles per hour in flight. This flight is used to attack its prey. Other
animals, like the Micronesian kingfisher, do not reach the speeds of other raptors, but still use their
wings to travel from place to place. Finally, the Humboldt penguin does not use its wings to fly at all.
Instead, it uses its wings as flippers to move through the water
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