Adaptation

Question 1

Definition for adaption

Answer 1

is a structure, behavior or physiological process that helps an organism survive and reproduce in a particular environment

Question 2

Types of adaptation

(B.S.P.M)

Answer 2

Behavioural: the things an organism does to survive
Ex: migration, bird calls, playing dead
Structural: physical features of a organism that help them to adapt
Ex: beak of a bird, fur on a bear, camouflage of stick insect, fluffy owl feathers, webbed feet
Physiological adaptations: – permit organism to perform special function
Ex: making venom, hibernation, secreting slime, temperature regulation
Mimicry: harmless species resemble (mimic) a harmful species so predators will avoid them
because they think they are harmful – Viceroys mimic monarchs because monarch are not palatable

Question 3

Variation & how leads to evolution

(peppered moths)

Answer 3

Variations: structural, functional or physiological differences between individuals. It is important to note that not all variations become adaptations
Environmental conditions determine whether a variation will have a positive, negative or no effect on the ability to survive
Helpful variations = increase survival= chance of reproduction and passing on variation= variation becoming more frequent in the population
Some traits may not give an individual and advantage now but may become critical for survival later on

Question 4

Difference between adaptation & variation

Answer 4

• Adaptation is when an organism develops features that help it do better in its environment, such as a plant growing thicker leaves in a sunny area.
• Variation is the natural differences between individuals of the same species, like how some people are taller or have different hair colors.
  …These differences provide the starting point for adaptation, as organisms with traits better suited to their surroundings are more likely to thrive and pass on those helpful traits to their offspring. This ongoing process is what helps species evolve and adapt to different challenges in their habitats.

Question 5

Mutations

Answer 5

Mutations: permanent changes in the DNA of an organism. Mutations are the only source of new genetic variation
- Mutations occur spontaneously when DNA is copied
- Mutagenic agents can also cause mutations
ex radiation, chemicals
- Mutations can be harmful or helpful

Question 6

Selective advantage

Answer 6

• Some mutations provide a selective advantage
• Selective advantage: a genetic mutation that improves an organism’s chance of survival in a changing environment and therefore also increases its chance of reproduction
  Ex: water flea usually lives in water that is 20 degrees and cannot survive warmer water, but there is a mutation that allows some populations of water fleas to live in 25-30 degree water

Question 7

Bacterial Resistance

Answer 7

Bacterial resistance is when bacteria become strong enough to withstand antibiotics. It’s like when a superhero gets tougher and can’t be defeated by regular villains anymore. This happens because bacteria can change their genes or share genes with each other to become resistant. When this occurs, it’s harder for doctors to treat infections caused by these bacteria because the usual antibiotics don’t work. To prevent this, we need to be careful with how we use antibiotics and practice good hygiene to stop the spread of these tough bacteria.

Question 8

Why would your doctor suggest avoided over the counter anti-bacerial hand soaps?

Answer 8

Using these products might result in bacterial resistance to the antibiotic that is contained in the soap or spray, resulting in bacteria that are not affected by it.
Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics because they can change to survive the medicines we use to kill them. It’s like how some bugs can become immune to bug spray if they’re exposed to it too much. Using antibiotics too often or not as directed can make bacteria stronger and harder to kill.