adaptations Flashcards
what is the definition of adaptation
a characteristic that enhances survival for an organism in their habitat
define the three types of adaptations
Anatomical- structural adaptations
Physiology- modification of intracellular processes
Behavioural- modified behaviour
What things should well adapted organisms be able to do
Acquire enough food
survive conditions of where they live
defend themselves from predator
photosynthesis or produce substantial amounts of energy
what type of plant is a marram grass
Xerophyte
What are some anatomical adaptations of the Marram grass
long roots- enables plant to reach underground water
root spreads widely - stability for the plant
curled leaves- reduces surface area exposed to wind, traps humid air to reduce wp gradient
lower epidermis is covered with hair- reduce air movement to retain water vapour
sunken stomata- water vapour builds in pits, reduces water vapour loss
low density stomata- less stomata, less water can leave
what is a behavioural adaptation of an earthworm
the earthworm is blind, but if you touch it, it will contract and withdraw to its habitat
What is a behavioural adaptation of marram grass
when short of water- their leaves roll tighter to build moisture and reduce wind movement.
When buried in sand, marram grass grow quicker to reach sunlight.
what are physiological adaptations
modified internal functions to help the organism survive in its conditions.
what are the name of the cells which cause the leaf to roll of marram grass
Hinge cells
What is the process of hinge cells tightening or loosening the roll of the leaf
less water- hinge cells lose turgidity, rolls the leaf tighter
More water- hinge cell becomes turgid and open the leaf wider to access carbon dioxide for photosynthesis
What type of adaptation is migration
Behavioural
what type of adaptation is diurnal and nocturnal organisms
behavioural adaptation
Waxy cuticle is an anatomical adaptation of marram grass. How does this help it survive
Reduces water vapour loss through evaporation
What are the differences between placental and marsupial organisms
Marsupial’s fertilised egg moves from the vagina into the pouch, whilst placentals don’t have a pouch.
What is the bergmans rule
colder species have larger and more compact bodies, hotter species have a smaller body.
