BIOLOGY: TOPIC 55555555

Question 1

What is adaptation as a process?

Answer 1

The evolutionary process that produces adaptations. Synonymous to natural selection.

Question 2

What is adaptation as a thing that the process produces?

Answer 2

A heritable phenotype that allows individuals to perform some function which enhances their survival and/or reproduction in their current environment.

Question 3

What are exaptations?

Answer 3

Exaptations are adaptations that arose after a change in function. Does NOT imply that evolution is goal oriented, since the function of the adaptation changed. For example feathers on birds EVOLVED LONG BEFORE FLIGHT.

Question 4

Does exaptation imply that evolution is goal-oriented?

Answer 4

NOOOOO! Since the function of said adaptation changed, it cannot be assumed that evolution is EVER goal oriented.

Question 5

What is acclimation/acclimatization?

Answer 5

A process when an INDIVIDUAL adjusts to a change in its environment to minimize the stressors and to maintain performance.