4.7.1.4 Adaptations

Question 1

What do organisms have in order to help them to survive?

Answer 1

• organisms have features (adaptations) that enable them to survive in the conditions in which they normally live
• these adaptations may be structural, behavioural or adaptational

Question 2

Examples of structural adaptations:

Answer 2

(shape or colour of a part of an organism)

• sharp teeth of a carnivore to tear meet apart
• camouflage e.g. tan/brown colour of a lionesses coat, to avoid prey from spotting her
• species in cold environments have thick layer of fat for insulation

Question 3

Examples of behavioural adaptations:

Answer 3

(the way an organism behaves)

• individuals may play dead to avoid predator
• basking in the sun to absorb heat
• courting behaviour to attract a mate

Question 4

Examples of functional adaptations:

Answer 4

(involved in processes such as reproduction and metabolism)

• late implantation of embryos
• conservation of water through producing little sweat

Question 5

Examples of adaptations for cold environments:

Answer 5

• smaller SA:V to reduce heat loss
• lots of insulation e.g. blubber, fur coat

Question 6

Examples of adaptations for dry climates:

Answer 6

• adaptations to kidneys so they can retain lots of water producing very concentrated urine
• being active in the early morning and evenings when it is cooler
• resting in shady areas
• large surface area ratio to increase heat loss

Question 7

Examples of plant adaptations:

Answer 7

• curled leaves to reduce water loss
• extensive root systems to take in as much water as possible
• waxy cuticle to stop water evaporation
• water storing tissue in stem

Question 8

Extremophiles:

Answer 8

• organisms that live in environments with very extreme conditions inc high temperatures, pressures or salt concetration
• e.g. bacteria living in deep sea vents where the pressur eis very high