Adaptation

Question 1

How is the flea adapted?

Answer 1

Sharp tube-like mouthparts - For piercing the skin and sucking out blood.
Flattened body - For easy movement between hairs.
Hard exoskeleton - Hard to kill or squish.
Long hind legs - For being able to jump onto animals.

Question 2

How is the tapeworm adapted?

Answer 2

No gut - Absorbs already digested food.
Hooks on the head - Hard to dislodge.
Segments with lots of eggs - For reproduction.
Flat body with large surface area - For absorbing food and easy movement.
Suckers on the head - Hard to dislodge.
Thick outer cuticle skin - Does not get digested.

Question 3

Why do organisms adapt?

Answer 3

Organisms adapt to be better competitors.
Animals compete for: Food, Mates, Territory
Plants compete for: Light, Water, Space, Nutrients

Question 4

How are organisms adapted to extreme environments?

Answer 4

Desert animals - large Surface Area : Volume to lose heat
Arctic animals - small Surface Area : Volume to lose less heat
Thermophilic bacteria - Hot springs, sulphur for respiration, survive in low pH conditions
Acidophile - Hot acidic springs, low respiration rate, live in volcanic vents