B2.10: Adaptations To Environments - 1

Question 1

Adaptations for cold environments?

Answer 1

Small ears- reduces SA of ear, less heat lost

Thick white fur- insulates body and camoflauges the bear

Sharp teeth- to kill prey

Strong legs, long legs- contain large muscles that contract so the bear can run on land and swim in water

Big feet with fur on soles- spread the lod of the animal on the snow or ice, fur helps grip and insulate against snow

Claws- for killing and holding prey

Blubber below the skin- thick layer of fat that insulates.

Large body size- reduces relative SA, reduces heat loss

Fins- balance during swimming

Muscular tail- contains large muscles that contract to generate movement during swimming to catch prey

Question 2

Adaptations for hot and dey environments?

Answer 2

Dry dung, concentrated urine- reduce water loss in waste

Hump of fat- fat is stored in one place, reduces all round insulation, fat can be broken down to release water

Nostrils which close- prevent breathing in sand

Bushy eyelashes- stop sand entering eyes.

Body tolerance to temp changes- does not need to sweat

Long legs- lift bdoy off hot sand

Large feet- spread the load, stop from sinking into sand

Elephant
Thin fur- less warm air is trapped, reducing insulation

Large ears- lose heat by radiation and to fan body

Large body size- can knock ober plants for food

Wrinkled skin- increases SA from which to lose heat

Trunk- allows to suck up water to drink and to spray water over body

Large feet- spread the load stop to sink into mud

Question 3

Explain biochemical adaptations

Answer 3

1. Bacteria living in hot water springs and geysers in volcanic area can survive temp above 80 degrees. Their enzymes work work at high temp (normal enzymes will be destroyed at this temp)
2. Some organisms have to withstand extreme cole. Periwinkles living on the beach produce glycorel as an antifreeze in winter. Carrots in frosty soils produce a protein- bases antifreeze

Question 4

Explain physiological adaptation using an example

Answer 4

Eg, a penguin lives on ice have a special blood flow system called a ‘counter- current exchange system’

Question 5

What are specialists?

Answer 5

Organisms that are well adapted to a particular type of habitat.

Question 6

What are generalists?

Answer 6

Organisms that are adapted to a range of habitats