Adaptations

Question 1

Caribou

Answer 1

. Compact, stocky body + short tail and ears to avoid losing body heat
. Skinny legs have veins + arteries run side by side so arterial blood warns cooler venous blood returning from lower legs.
. Noses have chamber for heat + moisture from exhaled breath to warm arctic air before it chills lungs
. Double coat
. Fuzzy layer next to skin holds air keeps caribou dry when they cross river
. Hollow hair on overcoat full of air acts as insulation

Question 2

Bearberry

Answer 2

. Low growing (5 - 15cm tall) to survive strong winds
. Stems have thick bark for stability in wind
. Small leathery leaves help retain water in dry environment
. Hair stems help to retain heat
. Bright red berries eaten by birds + owls to help distribute seeds

Question 3

Buttress roots

Answer 3

There are so many trees in the rainforest that shorter trees and plants live in the shade of the taller species. In order to reach the sunlight, some trees grow extremely tall. Owing to competition for space and the thin layer of nutrient rich soil in the rainforest, trees only have relatively shallow roots. Therefore, tall trees can be very unstable. Some have developed buttress roots. These are large roots that sit above the soil and act like props, widening the base of the tree and making it more secure.

Question 4

Drip tip leaves

Answer 4

There is a lot of rain in the rainforest. Many plants have developed drip tip leaves to quickly funnel water off themselves to prevent rotting and fungus growth.

Question 5

Lianas

Answer 5

These are thin, woody vines that plant their roots in the ground and then use trees as support to climb higher to reach the sunlight.

Question 6

Epiphytes

Answer 6

These plants grow on the branches and trunks of larger trees. They use their host for support and to raise them up to higher levels where there is more sunlight. They collect moisture and nutrients from the air and do not damage the host tree, unless, of course, they get too heavy or strangle their host with their roots.

Question 7

Bromeliads

Answer 7

Bromeliads have thick, overlapping leaves that act like a cup to store water. They can also absorb nutrients from the air.

Question 8

Mangroves

Answer 8

Mangroves are trees that have wide spreading roots to stabilise them in water and mud. They have adapted to live in salty water - their roots filter the salt and channel it into leaves that then die and drop off. They live in the water at the edge of the rainforest to allow them access to sunlight.

Question 9

Pitcher plants

Answer 9

The pitcher plant has developed a unique way to source nutrients. The soil in the rainforest can be nutrient poor, so the pitcher plant uses its brightly coloured leaves and nectar to attract insects. The insects (and sometimes small animals, such as frogs) fall into the bowl of the plant, where they become trapped and dissolve in the poisonous liquid excreted by the plant.