How Do Lions Adapt to the Grasslands?
Lions have evolved camouflaging patterns, stealth-based hunting techniques and vocal communications to adapt to their grassland habitats. Additionally, lions have evolved very effective ears for living in the grasslands, which allow them to hear the soft footsteps of their prey even when they cannot see it.
Lions are covered in brown fur that blends in perfectly with the tall grass that dominates their habitat. While most of this hair is short, they have longer hair around their feet, ears, tail and other places, which helps to disrupt their silhouette when they are stalking their prey. To their prey, lions are virtually invisible in the grass; however, as lions are social animals and frequently hunt in groups, it is important for them to be able to see each other. To allow this, lions have evolved dark spots on the back of their ears, which stand out in the grass.
Lions also use vocal communication to relay information or ascertain the location of their pride members. Roaring, purring and other calls are audible in the tall grass even when they cannot see the other lion with whom they are communicating. While many other cats use vocalizations to communicate with others, no other cat species is as social or vocal as lions.
