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Student Article

Animals Evolve Larger Limbs to Adapt to Rising Temperatures

By: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell
Originally Published in  Science Focus

As global temperatures climb, warm-blooded animals like birds and mammals are developing larger ears, beaks, and limbs to dissipate heat more effectively, showcasing rapid evolutionary responses to climate change.

The article "Animals evolve larger limbs to adapt to rising temperatures" from BBC Science Focus discusses how climate change is prompting warm-blooded animals to develop larger appendages, such as ears, beaks, and limbs, to better regulate body heat.
Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
3-56-89-12
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Environmental Science
Keywords
climate changeanimal adaptationparrotsevolutionary biologyevolutionanimalsheat regulation​
A tiny mouse standing on a stick with plants in the background
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Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 400-500L
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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 800L-1000L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000-1200L
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