B7: ADAPTATIONS

Question 1

Adaptations of polar bears (arctic animals)

Answer 1

-white fur: camouflage
-thick layer of fat (blubber): maintains body temp and energy storage when food is scarce
-small surface area : volume ratio: minimises heat loss
-thick fur: maintains body temp
-large feet with curved claws: able to walk across ice
-black skin: absorb heat from the sun
-den digging: protect cubs from predators

Question 2

Adaptations of camels (animals living in deserts)

Answer 2

-humps: store food and fat to provide energy
-long intestines: to reabsorb as much water as possible from foods
-wide feet: help to spread weight and make it easier to walk on sand
-leathery pads on feet: protect from heat and prevent sinking
-long muscular legs: allow camel to walk for miles across desert
-leathery knees: protect from heat when kneeling on hot sand
-long eyelashes and multiple layers of eyelashes: keep sand out of eyes
-thin nostrils: can be closed to prevent sand getting in

Question 3

Adaptations of cacti (plants living in deserts)

Answer 3

-small surface area: to reduce water loss
-no leaves: to reduce water loss
-thick stem: to store water
-spines: to stop animals from eating it
-shallow but extensive roots: to maximise water absorption when it rains

Question 4

Adaptations of bladderwrack seaweed inhabiting coastal regions

Answer 4

-pigment: to maximise light absorption for photosynthesis
-air bladders: fronds float to surface of water towards light
-thin and flat: large surface area : volume ratio to maximise sunlight absorption

Question 5

Adaptations of sharks (marine animals)

Answer 5

-highly sensitive receptors: to detect prey
-sharp teeth that are constantly replaced: to eat prey
-silver colouring: camouflage
-fins and streamlined body: allows it to swim faster
-gills: large surface area so O2 can be extracted from surrounding water

Question 6

Adaptations of bacteria and archaea living in deep sea hydrothermal vents (extremophiles)

Answer 6

enzymes with high optimum temps