adaptation and function

Question 1

adaptation

Answer 1

a feature produced by natural selection that enables an organism to survive better and reproduce than if it lacked the feature

Question 2

function

Answer 2

the survival benefit of an adaptation

Question 3

flight in birds

Answer 3

forelimbs - adapted to produce lift and thrust
feathers - shaped like aerofoil to increase lift
light weight skeleton - hollow bones
large sternum - supporting huge muscles

Question 4

coadaptations

Answer 4

involve multiple compatible changes at the same time

different parts could evolve independently in small steps

Question 5

complex eye in verterbrates

Answer 5

• random mutation of 1% change
• 2000 steps
• vertebrate eye in 400,000 years

Question 6

preadaptation

Answer 6

an adaptation which serves a different purpose from the one for which it evolved

Question 7

exaptations

Answer 7

the process by which features acquire functions for which they were not originally adapted or selected

preadaptatios become exaptations

Question 8

spandrels

Answer 8

phenotypic trait that is a byproduct of the evolution of some other characteristic, rather than a direct product of adaptive selection

side effects of adaptations

Question 9

maladptive

Answer 9

not adjusting adequately or appropriately to the environment or situation.