Adaptations

Question 1

what are adaptations?

Answer 1

the name given to the features and characteristics that help organisms live in different environmental conditions

Question 2

what structural adaptions may an animal in a cold environment have?

Answer 2

-white fur for camouflage- helps avoid predators and sneak up on prey
- a small surface area to volume ratio to help retain heat
-thick layer of fat for insulation
-large feet to distribute their load and increase grip on ice
-thick fur for insulation

Question 3

What structural adaptations may an animal who lives in a hot environment have?

Answer 3

-a large surface area to volume ratio to help lose heat
-a thin layer of fat, fur or feathers as thinner insulation allows for better heat exchange and cooling
-light coloured fur or feathers to help reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption

Question 4

what structural adaptations might a plant in hot environments have?

Answer 4

-reduced leaf surface area (e.g. they might have smaller or fewer leaves) to reduce water loss by transpiration
-roots that can reach deep into the soil for water even during drought conditions
-narrow leaves to minimise exposure to direct sunlight and overheating

Question 5

What structural adaptations might a plant living in cold environments have?

Answer 5

-roots that are deep to allow them to get water deep in soil in frozen conditions
-fuzzy or hairy leaves to insulate against cold temperatures and reduce heat loss

Question 6

what are behavioural adaptations?

Answer 6

the way organisms have adapted to behave

Question 7

what behavioural adaptations may a plant or animal in cold environments have or what may they do during winter months?

Answer 7

-plants may slow down growth or become dormant to conserve energy during cold periods
-leaves may curl to reduce surface area and minimise water loss
-birds may migrate to warmer climates during winter months
-some animals may hibernate to lower their metabolic rate and conserve energy during the cold periods
-animals may huddle together in groups to conserve body heat

Question 8

what behavioural adaptions may an animal or plant living in hot environments have?

Answer 8

-animals may have nocturnal activity meaning their mostly active during the cooler night time hours to avoid the heat of day
-animals may burrow to escape heat and regulate body temperatures underground
-plants may reduce growth rate during periods of extreme heat to conserve energy
-plants may remain dormants untill conditions become more favourable for germination

Question 9

what are functional adaptations?

Answer 9

things that go on in an organisms body that can be related to processes like reproduction and metabolism?

Question 10

give an example of a functional adaptations.

Question 11

What are extremeophiles?

Answer 11

Organisms that are adapted to live in very extreme conditions e.g. in hot volcanic vents