1 Flashcards
What does adaptation refer to?
Changes organisms develop to enhance survival and reproduction
Adaptations can be biological or behavioral in nature.
What are the key characteristics of mammals?
Body hair and milk-producing glands in females
These traits aid in survival and reproduction.
What has been key to human success?
Biological and cultural adaptability
This adaptability allows humans to thrive in diverse environments.
Define behavioral adaptations.
Actions or behaviors enhancing survival (learned or instinctive)
Behavioral adaptations can be seen in various species.
What is an example of nocturnality in mammals?
Desert mammals, such as kangaroo rats, are active at night to avoid heat
This behavior helps them conserve water and energy.
What is pack hunting?
A behavioral adaptation where wolves improve prey capture success
This strategy enhances their ability to hunt larger prey.
What is a key reason for migration in certain mammals?
Food and breeding
Examples include caribou and whales migrating to find resources.
What is hibernation?
A state where bears conserve energy during winter
Hibernation allows bears to survive periods of food scarcity.
Fill in the blank: Behavioral adaptations can be _______ or instinctive.
[learned]
Both types of adaptations play a critical role in survival.
What is the definition of internal bodily functions enhancing survival?
Internal bodily functions enhancing survival
This refers to physiological adaptations that allow organisms to survive in their environments.
What is hibernation in non-human mammals?
Bears reduce metabolic rate in winter
Hibernation is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in endotherms.
What is countercurrent heat exchange?
Penguins retain heat in cold environments
This physiological adaptation helps maintain body temperature in extreme conditions.
What is bradycardia in marine mammals?
Marine mammals conserve oxygen while diving
Bradycardia is a decrease in heart rate that helps to extend dive times.
What is high-altitude adaptation in humans?
Increased hemoglobin in Tibetans
This adaptation allows for better oxygen transport in low-oxygen environments.
What role does sweating play in human adaptation?
Effective thermoregulation in hot climates
Sweating helps to cool the body through evaporative cooling.
What is lactase persistence?
Digesting lactose into adulthood
This adaptation allows certain populations to continue consuming dairy products.
What are cold-climate adaptations in human populations?
Inuit and Saami populations
These groups exhibit specific traits that enhance survival in cold environments.
What is Bergmann’s Rule?
Stocky bodies in cold climates
Bergmann’s Rule suggests that body mass increases in colder climates to conserve heat.
What dietary adaptation is common in cold-climate populations?
High-fat diets
These diets provide necessary energy and insulation in harsh environments.
What is an example of clothing adaptation in cold climates?
Insulated clothing
This adaptation helps retain body heat in extremely cold conditions.
What are the three main categories of adaptation in mammals?
Behavioral adaptations, Structural/Physical adaptations, Physiological adaptations
These adaptations enable mammals to thrive in diverse environments, from deserts to arctic tundra.
Define behavioral adaptations in mammals.
Changes in behavior that help mammals survive in their environments
Examples include migration, hibernation, and social structures.
What are structural/physical adaptations?
Anatomical changes that enhance survival in specific environments
Examples include body shape, size, and features like fur or skin.
Define physiological adaptations.
Internal body processes that improve survival chances in varying conditions
Examples include metabolic adjustments and thermoregulation.
How does skin pigmentation serve as an adaptation in humans?
Melanin levels adjust based on UV exposure
This adaptation protects against UV radiation damage.
What is Allen’s Rule?
A principle stating that animals in colder climates tend to have shorter limbs
This helps to conserve body heat.
Fill in the blank: Bipedalism in humans allows for _______.
energy-efficient movement, free hands for tool use, better heat regulation
Bipedalism is a key adaptation that has shaped human evolution.
What is the definition of cultural adaptation?
Cultural adaptation involves tool use, clothing, and shelter
Cultural adaptations help humans survive in diverse environments.
What are some uses of cooking food?
Cooking food aids in:
* Predator deterrence
* Improved digestion
* Enhanced flavor
What does agriculture provide?
Agriculture provides a stable food supply and creates civilizations
This stability is crucial for community development.
What are structural or physical adaptations?
Body structure changes aiding habitat needs
These adaptations help organisms survive in their environments.
Give an example of a structural adaptation in polar bears.
Thick fur and fat for insulation
These adaptations help polar bears survive in cold climates.
What is a structural adaptation of camels?
Padded feet and humps for fat storage
These adaptations allow camels to thrive in desert environments.
What adaptation do dolphins have for swimming?
Streamlined bodies
This body shape reduces drag in water, enhancing swimming efficiency.
What is a notable physical adaptation of giraffes?
Long necks for reaching high foliage
This adaptation allows giraffes to access food that other herbivores cannot.
What is the definition of cultural adaptation?
Cultural adaptation involves tool use, clothing, and shelter
Cultural adaptations help humans survive in diverse environments.
What are some uses of cooking food?
Cooking food aids in:
* Predator deterrence
* Improved digestion
* Enhanced flavor
What does agriculture provide?
Agriculture provides a stable food supply and creates civilizations
This stability is crucial for community development.
What are structural or physical adaptations?
Body structure changes aiding habitat needs
These adaptations help organisms survive in their environments.
Give an example of a structural adaptation in polar bears.
Thick fur and fat for insulation
These adaptations help polar bears survive in cold climates.
What is a structural adaptation of camels?
Padded feet and humps for fat storage
These adaptations allow camels to thrive in desert environments.
What adaptation do dolphins have for swimming?
Streamlined bodies
This body shape reduces drag in water, enhancing swimming efficiency.
What is a notable physical adaptation of giraffes?
Long necks for reaching high foliage
This adaptation allows giraffes to access food that other herbivores cannot.
