B1- Adaptation For Survival Flashcards
What is an extremophile?
Give an example.
Extremophiles are microorganisms which are adapted to live in conditions where enzymes won’t usually work because they would denature.
Examples of extremophiles include: aquifex genus is a thermophile in Yellowstone National Park.
How do animals adapt to their environment?
Give examples of hot and cold environments.
Animals in cold climates (e.g: polar bear in Arctic) have thick fur, blubber and a small SA:Volume ratio to keep them warm.
Animals in hot climates (e.g: camel in Desert) are adapted to conserve water and to keep cool. The camel has a hump in which it stores food as fat which can be metabolised into energy. Large SA:Volume ratio.
How are plants adapted to conserve water?
Plants can conserve water is they have small and waxy leaves, or they may have a swollen stem.
Cacti in deserts store water in the stem.
Other plants adapt to collect more water by having extensive root systems.
Animals compete for…
- Food.
- Water.
- Shelter.
- Mates.
- Territory.
Plants compete for…
- Water.
- Nutrients.
- Sunlight.
- (Space to grow).
Name 4 non-living environmental changes.
- Temperature.
- Rainfall.
- Light.
- Oxygen Levels.
Name 3 living environmental changes.
- Arrival of new predators.
- Arrival of new disease.
- Introduction of new plants.
How can lichens indicate pollution?
The presence or absence of lichens can indicate the level of air pollution, particularly SO2. The more lichen growing, the cleaner the air. Lichens are an example of indicator species.
How can we monitor pollution?
Animals- Indicator species and freshwater invertebrates.
Tech- Rain gauges, thermometers, pH and oxygen sensors.
What is an adaptation?
Adaptations allow organisms to survive in a particular habitat, even when the conditions are extreme.
E.g: extremely hot or salty.
Suggest three reasons why goldfinches were seen in more gardens in 2012 than in 2011.
- Change in temperature.
- Fewer predators.
- Less disease in 2012.
