B2.11: Adaptations To Environments- 2

Question 1

Explain the conditions and adaptations of a northen pine forest

Answer 1

Condirions- water is scarce as most of it freezes in the soil and cannot be absorbed by the roots

Adaptations:
Leaves are reduced to needles ro reduce surface area, reducing water loss

Thix wax on the surface area of the leaf reduces water loss

Pine needles have fewer pores from which water can be lost

Question 2

Explain the conditions and adaptations of a temperate forest

Answer 2

Conditions- cold and not much light in winger, sunny and moist in summer

Adaptations:
Leaves fall from the trees in the autumn, bc not much light for photosynthesis, leaves have no function in the winter

Leaves have a large surface area to make the most of the summer sun

Wax on the leaf survace is thinner as plenty of water available

Question 3

Explain the conditions and adaptations of a desert

Answer 3

Conditions- very little warer, as very little rainfall. Air is hot and dry

Adaptations:
Leaves are spines- reduces surface area, reducing water loss.

Rounded shape reduces surface area to volume ratio

Spines are less likely to be eaten by animals

Thick wax cuticle reduces water loss

Shallow root system to absorb water when it rains

Stems swollen to store water

Green stem for photosynthesis

Question 4

Why does the surface area to volume ratio vary in plants and animals?

Answer 4

Animals in hot area- increased surface area to volume ratio to promote heat loss.

Animals in cold areas- reduced surface area to volume ratio to minimise heat loss

Question 5

What is migration?

Answer 5

Some animals move to more favourable conditions.

Question 6

What is hibernation?

Answer 6

Some animals hibernate when thw temp falls, slwoing down their life processes and entering a dormant state until conditions improve.