How do insects use their special adaptations to survive? Insects are the most diverse animals, and even in tough environments like hot volcanoes, dry deserts, and icy glaciers, they show amazing adaptations to live in these challenging conditions.

Spark your thinking!

1. Set up your science mini spark recording page: #31: Insect Adaptations

2. Are there any places on Earth with no bugs? State “yes” or “no” and give two reasons for your choice.

3. Watch this video. Record 8-10 details about how insects are able to live in harsh conditions.

4.  Choose 3 of these questions to answer using 2 sentence. Use details from the video in your responses. Remind your teacher that the answer key can be found in the Science Mini Spark Folder.

1. Describe how Sahara silver ants adapt to the heat of the desert.
2. What unique feature helps Sahara silver ants maintain their speed and stay cool?
3. Explain how the longhorn beetle’s hair structure assists it in hot environments.
4. What specific adaptations do ice crawlers have to survive in cold temperatures?
5. How do alkali flies manage to stay submerged in California’s Mono Lake?
6. What challenges do alkali flies face when trying to overcome the water’s surface tension?
7. Discuss how parasitic lice survive in deep-sea environments.
8. What role do spiracles play in the oxygen intake of insects, and how do lice differ in this regard?
9. How do certain lice manage to survive long periods underwater?

5.  Share your science mini spark recording page with your teacher/EY coordinator.