Adaptations

Question 1

What is the niche of an organism

Answer 1

The specific role that a particular organism plays in its environment

Question 2

What are adaptations and why do organisms need them

Answer 2

Characteristics that make an organism more specialised to suit the environment it lives in
-need these so organism is uniquely able to exploit their own niche and ensure their niche is different enough to that of others to avoid competition

Question 3

What are the three types of adaptations organisms can have

Answer 3

Behavioural, physiological (biochemical adaptations) and anatomical

Question 4

What are the three types of behavioural adaptation and an example of each

Answer 4

-survival eg being active when predators are usually not active
-courtship eg mating dances
-seasonal eg migration or hibernation

Question 5

What are physiological adaptations

Answer 5

Biochemical adaptations that increase the chance of survival by allowing correct functioning

Question 6

Examples of physiological adaptations

Answer 6

-opening and closing of stomata in response to light, carbon dioxide and humidity/water stress
-concentration of urine in response to water shortage
-reproducing correct enzymes for available respiratory substrates eg E.coil will only make lactase when lactose is the only sugar present for respiration
-chemical production eg poison/antibiotics

Question 7

What are anatomical adaptations

Answer 7

Structural features of an organism which increase its chance of survival

Question 8

Examples of anatomical adaptations

Answer 8

-camouflage
-mimicry
-blubber (marine and arctic animals to insulate)
-large ears (radiate heat or use in echo-location)

Question 9

What is the index of diversity

Answer 9

Measure of biodiversity that takes into account both species richness and evenness