The variations in fur color is dictated by the changing seasons. The ermine, or stoat, is Mustela erminea. Even when some of the more northerly-based stoats change their coat colour from a reddish brown to white or partial white in winter (known as 'ermine'), they still hang on to the black-tipped tail. What are some other adaptations for the ermine? One example is their legs. In all seasons the stoat has a black tip to its tail. THE ERMINE ( least weasel, or stoat ) lives wherever it can make a den to raise its young and store its food. Reindeer antlers are among the largest of any deer species, and unusually they are present on both males and females. They are also capable of turning a cinnamon or … Many of these are prey-related, while others are environmental. Animals in every biome must eat to survive. A mother stoat can have up to 12 babies at a time, but usually has 4-6 babies. Some species of weasel live up to 10 years, though many live three to five years. The den is in a pile of rocks or loose earth. Tundra includes some of the most inhospitable regions in the world, characterized by sub-zero temperatures and short growing seasons. Defense mechanisms are very important to all animal life. Although they depend mostly on lemmings for food, they are not afraid to attack an Arctic hare. The adaptations of the cactus includes small and spiky leaves that reduce evaporation of water. Animal Adaptations: Albatross, Stoats, Sea Turtles. They are strangely interesting animals once you get to study them. The cactus has also a thick and juicy stem that stores water. ( 12 in.) Vegetation in these regions comprises of sedge, moss, lichen, dwarf shrub, and grass, while larger trees may also grow in a scattered fashion. Tundra Animals Tundra includes some of the most inhospitable regions in the world, characterized by sub-zero temperatures and short growing seasons. We need you to answer this question! Animals have been around the world for about 3.8 million years. The stoat is rated ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN. With predators being high on the food chain and always on the lookout for a meal, prey must constantly avoid being eaten. When lemmings are plentiful, so are weasels. And not all have survived, some had to adapt to survive. The variations in fur color is dictated by the changing seasons. Facts About Weasels. The black tip probably serves as a decoy to predators, which would include almost any carnivore large enough to eat a stoat such as badgers, cats, wolves, foxes, wolverines and some birds of prey. The varieties of spiders living across the globe inhabit many different environments and have adapted to a number of pressures. One of the more recognizable adaptations include fur coloration via molting. They are also capable of turning a cinnamon or … Even thought they are harmless to some organisms and humans, they are overpopulating the environment and moving to other environments to effect. Shares. For example, those that live in the sea may have fins or flippers rather than legs. It also prevents loss of water. The adult male is about 30 cm. The species is usually common, has a huge range and no major threats have been identified. Stoats don't have that many adaptations, but they are essential for their survival. Adaptation. What are some ermine adaptations? This is a sure-fire way of differentiating stoats from their close cousin, the weasel, which has no black tip to the tail and is, of course, much smaller than a stoat. Adaptations that prey employ adds to the chances of survival for the species. Even though she is pregnant, her … As you see in the pictures (to the right and left) you see some adaptations of animals you probably didn't know. Stoats have a good sense of sight, smell and hearing, which they use to help them hunt. Even thought they are shorter in comparison to their body, they are actually quite agile and strong. The Least Weasel makes long term adaptations as well as short term changes. In order to survive, plants and animals will adjust to suit their habitats. Stoats were introduced to New Zealand in the 1880s by the government in a kind of "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly" approach to … A female stoat can get pregnant when she is still a blind, deaf, toothless and naked baby – at only 2-3 weeks old. Enjoy learning more examples in this enjoyable KS2 quiz for pupils in Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6. The three geographically distinct regions are the Arctic tundra, alpine tundra, and the Antarctic tundra. One physical adaptations that the stoats have is their body structure. Unanswered Questions. The Least Weasel makes long term adaptations as well as short term changes. Whilst cattle horns have living tissue in the core, the antlers of reindeer are made of dead tissue and are regularly shed. One of the more recognizable adaptations include fur coloration via molting. In science we call this adaptation. By Alina Bradford - Live Science Contributor 12 January 2017. The three geographically distinct regions are the Arctic tundra, alpine tundra, and the Antarctic tundra. Adaptation. Animal ADAPTATIONS . A big problem with stoats is the size of their families. Spider adaptations have allowed these organisms to hunt, … In some areas, stoat populations may be threatened by a variety of factors, including habitat loss, unrestricted trapping, competition with other predators and a decline in prey species.