Animal Adaptations Flashcards
What are the key components of adaptation?
Anatomy, physiology, behavior allowing organisms to handle physical challenges
These components are inherited characteristics that enhance survival and reproduction.
What is tolerance in the context of animal adaptations?
Ability to survive environmental pressures
Growth and reproduction may not necessarily be present.
What is homeostasis?
Maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment, despite external environment
It involves negative and positive feedback mechanisms.
What is the difference between homeotherms and endotherms?
Homeotherms maintain a constant body temperature, while endotherms generate heat internally
Both strategies relate to temperature regulation.
What are trophic levels?
Levels in the food chain, including autotrophs and heterotrophs
Primary producers use inorganic carbon sources; consumers use organic carbon sources.
What are the three main categories of herbivory?
- Grazers/browsers
- Granivores/seed eaters
- Frugivores/fruit eaters
Ruminants and coprophagy are also related to herbivory.
What types of feeding strategies are associated with carnivory?
- Hunters/predators
- Scavengers/carrion feeders
Carnivory involves a strict reliance on animal tissues.
What is omnivory?
Feeding on both plants and animals
Diet may vary by season, availability, and life cycle stage.
What are detritivores?
Organisms feeding on dead organics
They can be specialized for plant material, incidental animal parts, or dead animals.
How does nutrient availability affect animals?
- Survival (tolerance) of low nutrients
- Growth and reproductive success
- Distribution/migration patterns
- Behavior patterns
Nutrient availability is critical for ecological success.
What is the relationship between morphology and food-gathering?
Morphology relates to adaptations in digestive tract, feeding structures, and predation structures
These adaptations are essential for survival.
What is the difference between macroclimate and microclimate?
- Macroclimate: gross climatic features of a region
- Microclimate: small-scale climatic features of a region
Both influence animal adaptations and behaviors.
What are ectotherms?
Most organisms that depend on external heat sources
They exhibit behavioral control, life-cycle control, and their metabolic rate is proportional to temperature.
What anatomical and physiological responses do endotherms have to temperature?
- Shivering
- Blubber
- Fur
- Hibernation
- Panting
- Shade-seeking
- Shedding
- Counter-current heat exchange
These adaptations are vital for temperature regulation.
How does moisture affect animal adaptations?
- Acts in concert with temperature
- Results in adaptations like efficient kidneys and salt glands
- Dormant phases and migration behaviors
What are the osmotic classifications of animals?
- Hypo-osmotic: marine/brackish
- Isosmotic: marine
- Hyperosmotic: freshwater
These classifications relate to how animals manage osmotic balance.
What is photoperiodism?
Physiological responses to light levels, especially at higher latitudes
It includes circadian rhythms and seasonal cycles.
What behaviors are influenced by critical daylength?
- Breeding of most animals
- Food storage behaviors
- Migration patterns
These behaviors are critical for survival and reproduction.
How do lunar cycles affect animals?
Lunar cycles are tied to reproduction in many marine organisms
They may also influence human activities.
What is the significance of tidal cycles for intertidal marine organisms?
Tidal cycles influence feeding, breeding, and other activities
The interplay between light and tidal levels is crucial for these organisms.
