Adaptations & competition Flashcards

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1
Q

What is an adaptation?

A

Every organism has certain features or characteristics that allow it to live successfully in its habitat. These features are called adaptations. Organisms within a community compete with each other for limited resources, including water and space. Plants also compete with each other for light and minerals.

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2
Q

Polar bears are well adapted for survival in the Arctic but what are those adaptations?

A
  • A white appearance as camouflage from prey on the snow and ice
  • Thick layers of fat and fur for insulation against the cold
  • A small surface area to volume ratio, to minimise heat loss
  • A greasy coat that sheds water after swimming
  • Large furry feet to distribute their load and increase grip on the ice.
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3
Q

Camels live in deserts that are hot and dry during the day, but cold at night. What are their adaptations?

A
  • large, flat feet to spread their weight on the sand
  • thick fur on the top of the body for shade, and thin fur elsewhere to allow easy heat loss
  • a large surface-area-to-volume ratio to maximise heat loss
  • the ability to go for a long time without water - they don’t store water in their humps, but they lose very little water through urination and perspiration
  • the ability to tolerate body temperatures up to 42ºC
  • slit-like nostrils and two rows of eyelashes to help keep out sand.
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4
Q

Cacti are well adapted for survival in the desert but whate are their adaptations?

A
  • stems that can store water
  • widespread root systems that can collect water from a large area.
  • cacti have spines instead of leaves. These minimise the surface area and so reduce water loss by transpiration. The spines also protect the cacti from animals that might eat them.
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5
Q

What are extremophiles?

A

Extremophiles are organisms that live in very extreme environments and can survive conditions that would kill most other organisms.

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6
Q

What 3 conditions can extremophiles live in that most organisms cant?

A
  • High temperatures
  • High concentrations of salt in water
  • High pressures.
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7
Q

What resources do animals compete for?

A
  • Food
  • Water
  • Space
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8
Q

What resources do plants compete for?

A
  • Water
  • Space
  • Mineral salts.
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