m from predators. In turn toucans and parrots developed large, strong beaks, which serves as a nutcracker and provides them with many tasty meals. Many animal species have developed relationships with each other that benefit both species. Birds and mammal species love to eat the tasty fruits provided by trees. Even fish living in the Amazon River rely on the fruits dropped from forest trees. In turn, the fruit trees depend upon these animals to eat their fruit, which helps them to spread their seeds to far - off parts of the forest. In some cases both species are so dependent upon each other that if one becomes extinct, the other will as well. This nearly happened with trees that relied on the now extinct dodo birds. They once roamed Mauritius, a tropical island located in the Indian Ocean. They became extinct during the late 19th century when humans overhunted them. The calvaria tree stopped sprouting seeds soon after. Scientists finally concluded that, for the seeds of the calvaria tree to sprout, they needed to be digested by the dodo bird. By force feeding the seeds to a domestic turkey, who digested the seeds the same way as the dodo bird, the trees were saved. Unfortunately, humans will not be able to save each species in this same way. Each species has evolved with its own set of unique adaptations, ways of helping them to survive. Every animal has the ability to protect itself from being someone’s next meal. To prevent the extinction of a species each and every species must develop a defense tactic. The following are just a few of Mother Nature’s tricks. CAMOFLAGE The coloring of some animals acts as protection from their predators. Insects play some of the best hide-and-go-seek in the forest. The “walking stick” is one such insect; it blends in so well with the palm tree it calls its home that no one would notice unless it’s moved. Some butterflies, when they close their wings,...
