Body traits called physical adaptations help animals survive. The long neck and legs of a giraffe allow it to reach high leaves in trees. The turtle’s hard shell acts as armor to protect its body. Gills and fins let fish breathe underwater. Horses use their long legs to run at great speeds. An elephant’s trunk helps it to feed. A polar bear keeps warm because its thick fur keeps the heat from escaping from its body. An adaptation that helps an animal survive becomes more common.