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Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animal Class 7 Notes Science

 You may have experienced firsthand the importance of weather preparations, like remembering to pack an umbrella when the sky is cloudy before embarking on a trip to a hill station. 

Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animal Class 7 Notes Science

It's common for adults to engage in discussions about the weather before organizing family gatherings or outdoor activities, recognizing its significant impact on our plans and daily lives.

In this chapter, we'll delve into the fascinating world of weather and climate.

Weather & ClimateWeather & Climate

 Further, we'll uncover the relationship between different forms of life and their adaptation to the climate of their habitats. 

Weather


We often say, “today’s weather is too humid”, or “the weather was warm last week”. The weather varies each day, with changes in temperature, humidity, and rainfall. 

Different Types of WeatherDifferent Types of Weather

Weather refers to daily atmospheric conditions like temperature, humidity, and rainfall. It can change rapidly, for example, from sunny to rainy. Such rapid changes are common experiences. In short, Weather refers to the day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind speed. 

Shillong Weather ReportShillong Weather Report

The graph given above shows the maximum temperature recorded from 03 August 2006 to 09 August 2006 at Shillong, Meghalaya .We can see from any weather report, that the maximum and minimum temperatures are recorded every day.  

Weather Thermometer(left) & Rain Gauge(right)Weather Thermometer(left) & Rain Gauge(right)

Special thermometers, called maximum and minimum thermometers, are used to record temperatures.Rainfall is measured by an instrument called the rain gauge. It is basically a measuring cylinder with a funnel on top to collect rainwater.


Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animal Class 7 Notes Science
The sun is the main cause of all weather changes. It's a massive sphere of hot gases that emits enormous energy, reaching us from a great distance. This energy is the primary source of heat and light on Earth. Weather is influenced by how the Earth's surface, oceans, and atmosphere absorb and reflect this energy. For instance, if you live near the sea, your weather experience will be different from someone in a desert or near a mountain.


Climate

Climate refers to the average weather conditions observed over an extended(longer) period, typically around 25 years. For instance, if a particular place consistently experiences high temperatures and frequent heavy rainfall over many years, it is characterized as having a hot and wet climate.

Comparison of Climates in different regions of India

(a) Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir:

  • It exhibits a climate that is moderately hot and wet for a portion of the year.
  • Temperatures and precipitation levels vary, but generally, the climate is milder compared to other regions.

(b)Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala:

  • It features a climate that is significantly hotter and wetter compared to Srinagar.
  • The weather tends to be consistently warm and experiences heavy rainfall throughout the year, indicating a tropical climate.

(c) Western Region (e.g., Rajasthan):

  • Experiences high temperatures for most of the year, with notably cooler temperatures during the winter months.
  • Precipitation levels are very low, contributing to the characteristic desert climate of the region, characterized by arid conditions and limited rainfall.

(d) Northeastern India:

  • Receives substantial rainfall for a significant portion of the year, leading to a considerably wetter climate compared to other regions.
  • The abundance of rainfall supports lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems characteristic of tropical rainforests.

Climate and Adaptation

Climate significantly impacts all living organisms. Animals adapt to their surroundings to survive, a process known as adaptation, which evolves over time.
Polar Regions and Tropical RainforestsPolar Regions and Tropical Rainforests

  1. Polar Regions:
    • These are situated near the North and South Poles.
    • Countries like Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Alaska (USA), and Siberia (Russia) are part of these regions.
  2. Tropical Rainforests:
    • They are found in countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria.
    • These regions have hot, humid climates with abundant rainfall.

Animals in polar regions and tropical rainforests exhibit adaptations to cope with their respective climates. Understanding these adaptations helps us appreciate how animals survive in diverse environmental conditions.



Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animal Class 7 Notes Science


  1. Weather: Day to day atmospheric condition.
  2. Climate: Average atmospheric condition for at least 25 years.
  3. Elements of weather: Temperature, Humidity, Rainfall, Wind-speed, etc.
  4. Rainforest: Dense forest near equator and tropical regions.
  5. Desert: A region with little rainfall, high temperature and full of sand.
  6. Polar Regions: Regions near poles, having very low temperature, area is covered with snow most of the parts of year.
  7. Adaptation: Special habits of animals which enable them to survive in particular climatic conditions.
  8. Camouflage: Special colour of animals because of which they can resemble with background of surrounding which hide themselves from predators.

(i) Polar Regions


The polar regions have extreme climates, with snow covering them for most of the year and very low temperatures, as low as -37°C in winter. Animals living in these regions have special adaptations to survive in such harsh conditions.

Polar Bears


Polar BearsPolar Bears

  • Camouflage: Polar bears have white fur to blend with the snowy background, making them less visible to their prey and predators.
  • InsulationThey have two thick layers of fur and a layer of fat under their skin to keep them warm in extreme cold.
  • Swimming Abilities: Polar bears are excellent swimmers with streamlined bodies, webbed feet, and wide paws that help them move efficiently in water.
  • Hunting Skills: They have a strong sense of smell to locate prey underwater and can stay submerged for long periods.

Penguins


Penguins huddle together to keep themselves warmPenguins huddle together to keep themselves warm

  • Camouflage: Penguins are also white, blending with the snowy environment to avoid detection.
  • InsulationThey have thick skin and a layer of fat to protect them from the cold.
  • Group HuddlingPenguins huddle together to conserve body heat, similar to how people feel warmer in a crowded room.

Other Animals in Polar Regions

Many types of fish live in polar waters and can tolerate cold temperatures for extended periods.
Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animal Class 7 Notes ScienceMusk Oxen, Reindeers, Foxes, Seals, Whales, Birds: These animals have different adaptations to survive in the polar environment. Birds migrate to warmer regions during winter and return when it's over.

(ii) The tropical rainforests


Tropical regions, located around the equator, have hot climates with temperatures above 15°C even in the coldest months and exceeding 40°C during summers. Rainforests, a prominent feature of these regions, receive abundant rainfall and support a diverse array of plants and animals.

Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animal Class 7 Notes Science

Characteristics of Tropical Rainforests

  • Location: They are located in regions like Western Ghats, Assam, Southeast Asia, Central America, and Central Africa.
  • Climate: They have hot and humid climate throughout the year, with plenty of rainfall.
  • Biodiversity: They support a wide variety of plant and animal species due to continuous warmth and rain.

Animal Adaptations in Tropical Forests


Animals in tropical rainforests have evolved various adaptations to thrive in the hot, humid climate and compete for resources. These adaptations include specialized appendages, sensory adaptations, and behavioral strategies to ensure survival in this biodiverse ecosystem.

  1. Tree Dwellers: Many animals live in trees due to intense competition for food and shelter.
  2. Specialized Appendages: Animals like monkeys have long tails and specialized hands and feet for grasping branches.
    Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animal Class 7 Notes Science
  3. Long Beaks: Birds like the Toucan have long, large beaks to reach fruits on weak branches.
    Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animal Class 7 Notes Science
  4. Sensory Adaptations: Animals have sensitive hearing, sharp eyesight, and camouflage to protect themselves from predators. For example, big cats have thick skin and sensitive hearing.
  5. Lion-Tailed Macaque: This species lives in Western Ghats and has a silver-white mane. It is a good climber and mainly feeds on fruits and insects found in trees.
    Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animal Class 7 Notes Science
  6. Elephant: Elephants have adapted in remarkable ways, such as using their trunks for smelling and picking food, and their tusks for tearing bark. Large ears help them hear soft sounds and regulate body temperature in the hot, humid climate.
The document Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animal Class 7 Notes Science is a part of the Class 7 Course Science Olympiad Class 7.
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FAQs on Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animal Class 7 Notes Science

1. What is the difference between weather and climate?
Ans. Weather refers to the day-to-day atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and humidity, at a specific location. Climate, on the other hand, refers to the long-term average weather patterns of a region over a period of several decades.
2. How does weather affect animals?
Ans. Weather can have a significant impact on animals. Extreme weather conditions like heatwaves or cold spells can affect their ability to find food, water, and shelter, leading to migration or hibernation. Precipitation levels can also impact the availability of resources, affecting an animal's survival and reproductive success.
3. What are some adaptations of animals to different climates?
Ans. Animals have developed various adaptations to survive in different climates. For example, animals in cold climates may have thick fur or layers of fat to insulate their bodies. Animals in hot climates may have adaptations such as long legs or large ears to dissipate heat. Some animals also change their behavior or migrate to more suitable climates during extreme weather conditions.
4. How do animals adapt to changes in climate?
Ans. Animals can adapt to changes in climate through a process called natural selection. Over time, individuals with traits that are better suited to the new climate are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This gradual adaptation allows animals to better cope with changes in temperature, precipitation, and other environmental factors.
5. How does climate change affect animal populations?
Ans. Climate change can have a significant impact on animal populations. Rising temperatures can disrupt ecosystems, affecting the availability of food and altering the timing of important life cycle events, such as migration or breeding. Climate change can also lead to habitat loss, increased disease prevalence, and the introduction of invasive species, all of which can negatively impact animal populations.
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