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          Animals that live in Illinois prairies today are adapted to the grassland. These adaptations of body structure or behavior help them survive in a prairie habitat. A few of these adaptations are:
  • Some animals, such as bison, have broad, flat-topped teeth and digestive systems especially adapted to feed on grasses.
  • Many prairie animals have front legs and paws that allow them to burrow into the ground, where they are protected from predators.
  • Many prairie animals are adapted for nocturnal life; that is, they are active at night, which helps conceal their presence from predators.
  • The color of many prairie animals blends in with the plant life, which also helps them hide from predators.

As you learn about the prairie animals in this section, look for characteristics each has that help them survive on the prairie.

   
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