Adaptations Flashcards
What is the aim of all adaptations for cold environments?
To reduce heat loss.
What are some examples of anatomical adaptations to the cold?
- Excellent insulation (Arctic fox fur, seal blubber)
- Usually large animals with small ears, reduces surface area to volume ratio.
What are some examples of behavioural adaptations to the cold?
- Migration
- Slowing processes in the body down (eventually leading to hibernation)
Describe a penguin’s counter-current system.
Blood vessels that carry blood to and from the feet are very close together. As cold blood is taken from the feet to the body, the heat is transferred from the blood from the body going to the feet so that no cold blood ever enters the body.
What is a biochemical adaptation to the cold?
Having antifreeze proteins in cells.
What is the aim of all adaptations for hot environments?
To increase heat loss.
What are some examples of anatomical adaptations for dry environments?
- Camels have no hair on the underside of their bodies
- They are usually quite small animals with larger ears to increase their surface area to volume ratio
What are some behavioural adaptations for hot environments?
- Panting
- Licking fur
- Looking for shade during the day
What is the aim of all adaptations for dry environments?
To reduce water loss.
What are some examples of anatomical, behavioural and physiological adaptations to dry conditions?
- Camels produce very concentrated urine
- Cacti have spines instead of leaves, deep roots, and can store water in the stem
What are organisms that can survive in hot climates called?
Extremophiles
How can some bacteria live in hot springs?
Their enzymes do not denature at 100*C
What is a specialist?
An organism that is well-adapted to its environment but would struggle to live elsewhere.
What is a generalist?
An organism that can live in several habitats, but may not fair as well as specialist organisms in certain environments.
