10B. Adaptations for Cold Environments

Question 1

Structural adaptations for animals

Answer 1

Insulation - thick layer covering the whole body,

SA:V - SA:V loss allows animals to release heat slowly, so body temperature won’t drop as fast so that they maintain constant body temperature better

Question 2

Physiological adaptations for animals

Answer 2

Endotherms are better suited for colder environments, as, ectotherms body temperature matches the ambient temperature

Torpor - Reduction of metabolic rate allows animals to survive on little food or water

Question 3

What is countercurrent circulation

Answer 3

Uses heat in blood travelling from the heart, to heat cool blood coming from the animal’s periphery, the core body temperature isn’t lowered.

Question 4

Behavioural adaptations for animals

Answer 4

Reduce exposed surface area-
Less heat is released in a lower SA:V organism, so animals reduce SA:V by hiding or protecting their peripherals as temperature drops.

Huddling - to artificially decrease own SA:V, decreasing amount of heat released.

Question 5

More behavioural adaptations for animals

Answer 5

Seeking shelter - Burrows, dens or rocky outcrops

Migrating to warmer climate - resources are more available, easier breeding, raising newborns.

Question 6

More physiological adaptations for animals

Answer 6

Circulation - Blood that is pumped throughout the body is the same as the core temperature of the animal.

Vasoconstriction – blood vessels are smaller in diameter, reduces blood flow, conserve heat.

Question 7

Freezing point depression

Answer 7

plants increase their solute concentration to decrease the freezing point of water. This increases their resistance to freezing conditions.

Question 8

Seed dormancy

Answer 8

Cold-adapted plants create dormant seeds so that when the temperature increases, the seeds will then start to germinate.

Question 9

Dormant seed

Answer 9

a seed that is unable to germinate during a specific time under certain environmental conditions.