Describe how plants and animals use adaptations to survive in a particular environment. Explain how impacts on a habitat influence the adaptations of a species. Background Many ecosystems exist on Earth-Grassland, Mountain, Aquatic, Desert, Forest etc. Wind, rain, temperature, and altitude all play a role in shaping each zone. Species have had to adapt to these different habitats over time. An adaptation is a change of form or behavior that helps a species survive in a specific environment. The trait or characteristic may be inherited from their parents. Other traits can result from individual Duration: 60 Minutes.