10A. Adaptations for Hot Environments

Question 1

Biotic factors

Answer 1

is or once living. E.g., Plants, animals, fungi, bacteria.

Question 2

Abiotic factors

Answer 2

non-living things. E.g., Water, soil, sunlight, air, temperature.

Question 3

Animals have evolved a set of

Answer 3

structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations

Question 4

Plants have evolved a set of

Answer 4

structural and physiological adaptations.

Question 5

Tolerance range

Answer 5

range of environmental conditions in which organisms can survive

Question 6

Structural adaptations

Answer 6

Body structures that allow an animal to find food, defend, and reproduce

Question 7

Examples for structural adaptations for animals in desert

Answer 7

Insulation - Thin insulating layer for effective temperature regulation.

SA:V - High SA:V allows animals to change body temperature quickly. Low SA:V benefits an animal exposed to direct sunlight

Question 8

Physiological adaptations

Answer 8

Occur within the body, organs and tissues of animal or plant. Sometimes hard to see.

Question 9

Examples for physiological adaptations for animals in desert

Answer 9

Surface blood flow - Blood vessels near the skin dilate and hot blood releases heat into the environment, cooling the animal

Increase water input - Metabolic production of water during aerobic respiration

Question 10

More examples for physiological adaptations for animals in desert

Answer 10

Metabolic heat - Ectotherms obtain heat from environment, so no energy is wasted

Decrease water output - Highly concentrated wastes, faeces have low water content

Evaporative cooling – Panting and sweating

Question 11

Behavioural adaptations

Answer 11

An action that aids in survival, under genetic control

Question 12

Examples for behavioural adaptations for animals in desert

Answer 12

Evading extreme conditions - Seek shade, nocturnal

Enduring extreme conditions - Inactivity during heat, lick arms and water/mud baths

Question 13

To survive in hot environments plants must

Answer 13

1. Decrease heat intake
2. Maximise water uptake
3. Minimise water loss

Question 14

Minimize water loss

Answer 14

Minimize stomata density by using sunken stomata that makes pockets of humid air

Leaves will fold or roll to maintain a humid environment

Guard cells become flaccid and cause the stomata to close

Question 15

Maximise water uptake

Answer 15

Have extensive deep roots

Have horizontal root systems to absorb the maximum amount of surface water

Question 16

Decrease heat intake for plants

Answer 16

Produce leaves of smaller surface area

Have lightly colored or reflective leaves

Vertical leaves to minimize the surface area exposed to the sun