Adaptations Flashcards
The survival of an organism in an environment is due to characteristics of its ________, __________ and ___________.
structure, function and behaviour
Within an population of a species, there is inherent variation of the phenotypes present. This is due to changes to genetic characteristics of individuals. What does this occur through?
Through mutations, crossing over of chromosomes during meiosis, independent assortment of chromosomes.
Struggle for for survival is influence by what?
Competition, predation, selective pressure of the environment and other associations (e.g. parasite load and mutualism).
The organisms with the characteristics (phenotypes) most suited to their environment will survive and reproduce, compared to organisms less suited to their surroundings
yuh huh
Most organisms in the ____ ___________ will inherit the favourable characteristics.
next generation
Over time, populations come to contain predominately individuals that are well suited to the environment. What is this process called?
Natural selection
What is “survival of the fittest”?
Organisms that survive the longest in their environment are the ones more likely to reproduce & rear young. Therefore ensuring their genes are passed on and the species survives long term.
What is an adaptation?
Each organism has characteristics which enable it to survive in its own habitat
Adaptations may enable the organism to:
- obtain food
- move efficiently within it habitat
- escape from or defend itself against predators
- appear camouflaged
Types adaptations
3 things
- structural
- functional
- behavioural
What is a structural adaptations?
Refers to physical features of an organism that help it survive in its environment
Physical features include:
colour
shape
size
special features of it’s body parts
Functional adaptations
Refers to an organism’s physiology- how an organism operates inside (how it works).
