Lesson 8 - Adaptations

Question 1

Types of adaptations:

Answer 1

• Behavioural adaptations (the way an organism acts. Inherited or learned)
• Anatomical adaptations (physical features - internal and external)
• Physiological adaptations (processes that take place inside an organism)

Question 2

Adaptation definition:

Answer 2

Characteristics that increase an organism’s chance of survival and reproduction in its environment.

Question 3

Examples of anatomical adaptations:

Answer 3

• Body coverings (feathers help birds to fly / shells provide protection / thick waxy layers prevent water loss)
• Camouflage (outer colour of animal allows it to blend into its environment)
• Teeth (shape and type of teeth relate to diet -> canines v molars)
• Mimicry (copy another animals appearance)

Question 4

Marram Grass

Answer 4

Found in sand dunes.

Adaptations reduce rate of transpiration:
- Curled (rolled) leaves to minimise surface area of moist tissue exposed to the air and protect leaves from wind
- Hairs on the inside surface of the leaves trap moist air close to the leaf to reduce diffusion gradient.
- Stomata sunk into pits, less likely to open and lose water
-Thick waxy cuticle on leaves and stems reduce water loss through evaporation.