Adaptations

Question 1

What are adaptations?

Answer 1

characteristics that increase an organism’s chance of survival and reproduction in its environment

Question 2

What are three groups of adaptations?

Answer 2

anatomical - physical features (internal and external)

behavioural - the way an organism acts - can be inherited or learnt from parents

physiological - processes that take place inside an organism

Question 3

What are some examples of anatomical adaptations?

Answer 3

camoflauge - outer colour of animal to blend into its environment to make it harder for predators to sport

teeth shape in relation to diets

body coverings - e.g. spines, shells and scales, feathers - help organism to fly, stay warm or protection from predators

Question 4

What is marram grass and what are its adaptations?

Answer 4

found in sand dunes

low water - xerophyte

curled leave to reduce SA

hairs on inside to trap moist air, reducing gradient

stomata in sunken pits

thick cuticle

Question 5

What are some examples of behavioural adaptations?

Answer 5

cortship - elaborate courtship to attract a mate

seasonal behaviours, e.g. migration or hibernation

survival - rabbit freezes when they think they have been seen

Question 6

What are the two categories of behavioural adaptations?

Answer 6

innate - inherited through genes

learned - from observing other animals, e.g. tool use

many behavioural adaptations are a combonation

Question 7

What are some physiological adaptations?

Answer 7

posion production - reptiles, posionous plants

antibiotic production - bacteria produce them to kill other species

water holding - store water, e.g. water-holding frog, cacti

reflexes and temperature regulation