Fish have an amazing ability to adapt to very cold temperatures. This ability comes from a special protein, called a "glycoprotein," that acts like antifreeze in the circulatory systems of fish living in these areas.
To write about how fish adapt to life in cold environments, you will research this antifreeze protein and how it functions. Here are some questions to guide your research:
What purpose do antifreeze proteins serve for fish?
How do antifreeze proteins work?
What would happen if these fish did not have this adaptation?
What other adaptations do fish have to survive cold environments?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web site listed in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learned in the note-taking boxes.
With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to research other Web sites. You also can research antifreeze proteins and fish adaptations at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.
Step 2. Research
Research answers to the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!
Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to move from one Web page to another.
