Final answer:
The split toenail of a beaver and the toe comb of a great blue heron are adapted for grooming and plumage maintenance, crucial for survival in their habitats. Similar adaptations in other animals include variations in feet and beak structures, as well as overall physiological traits that aid in predator-prey interactions and environmental fitness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The adaptations like the split (double) toenail of a beaver and the pectinate toe comb of a great blue heron are for the functional purpose of aiding in their respective habitats and lifestyles. For instance, the beaver's split toenail is utilized for grooming and handling building materials, which is essential for maintaining their fur and creating their lodges and dams. Similarly, the great blue heron's toe comb is an adaptation for cleaning and straightening their feathers – important for flight efficiency and for removing parasites. These adaptations ensure survivability and efficiency in their natural environments.
Other examples of animal adaptations include the webbed feet of birds like the gull, which are ideal for swimming, and the long toes of gallinules, adapting them for walking in wetlands. Predatory adaptations, such as the cheetah's speed, enable them to catch prey, while a snow leopard's thick fur allows it to endure cold climates. Darwin's finches exhibit a variety of beak shapes evolved to consume different food sources, illustrating how animals adapt to their diet and environment. Avian adaptations are also evident in the streamlined digestive systems of birds, contrasting with the more complex ruminants' digestion, which reflects their different dietary requirements and lifestyles.