Adaptations Flashcards
What is a structural adaptation?
A physical feature that allows an organism to compete
What is a behavioural adaptation?
A behaviour that allows an organisms to compete
What is a functional adaptation?
A process that allows an organisms to compete
How are plants adapted to compete for light?
Plants grow towards light
Plants grow taller
Larger leaves
Grow at different times to avoid competition
Air bladders to push plant to the surface to get more light (aquatic plants)
How are plants adapted to disperse their seeds to compete for space?
Produce fruits containing seeds so they can be spread elsewhere when they are eaten + excreted
Seeds with large surface area so they can be blown by wind
Hooks/sticky seeds so they can attach to animals + be transported elsewhere
Seeds that can float so they can be transported elsewhere by water
How are plants adapted to obtain minerals + water?
Large root systems to increase surface area so they can absorb more
How are plants adapted to protect themselves from being eaten?
Thorns so predators hurt themselves
Poisons/bad taste so predators find plant unpleasant + stop eating it
How are plants adapted to live in hot, dry climates?
Few leaves/waxy cuticle on leaf to reduce water loss by transpiration
Stems well to store more water
Deep roots to absorb water deep underground
Shallow roots close to surface to absorb rainfall
How are animals structurally adapted to cold, snowy climates?
Black skin to absorb heat
White fur for camouflage
Large feet to spread weight
Small ears to reduce surface area + conserve heat
Thick layer of fat/thick fur for insulation
How are animals functionally adapted to cold, snowy climates?
Hibernation during winter months
Produces concentrated urine to conserve water
How are animals structurally adapted to hot, dry climates?
Long eyelashes to stop sand getting in eyes
Sand coloured fur for camouflage
Long limbs to increase surface area + loose heat
Large feet to spread weight
Thin/light fur to increase heat loss
Little fat to reduce insulation
Hump to store fat to be converted into water
How are animals functionally adapted to hot, dry climates?
Doesn’t sweat to reduce water loss
Produces concentrated urine to conserve water
How are predators adapted?
Fur for camouflage + ambush
Forward facing eyes/good sight to focus on prey
Sharp teeth to tear flash
Streamlined shape for quick movement
Powerful legs to run fast
How are prey adapted?
Horns for defence
Good hearing to detect predators
Side facing eyes for seeing behind them
Camouflaged fur
Streamlined shape for quick movement
Powerful legs to ran fast
What is mimicry?
When organisms adapt to look like something else
