10.7- adaptations

What is an adaptation?

An inherited characteristic that increases an organism's chances of survival and reproductive success in its environment.

What are the three types of adaptations?

Anatomical, physiological and behavioural adaptations.

What are anatomical adaptations?

Structural features of an organism's body that increase its chances of survival and reproductive success.

Give examples of anatomical adaptations.

Thick fur in polar bears, spines in cacti and webbed feet in ducks.

What are physiological adaptations?

Internal processes or biochemical mechanisms that help an organism survive and reproduce.

Give examples of physiological adaptations.

Production of concentrated urine in desert mammals and production of antifreeze proteins in some Arctic fish.

What are behavioural adaptations?

Actions or patterns of behaviour that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproductive success.

Give examples of behavioural adaptations.

Migration in birds, nocturnal activity in desert animals and huddling in penguins.

How do anatomical adaptations help organisms survive?

They provide structural features that improve survival in a particular environment.

How do physiological adaptations help organisms survive?

They enable internal processes to function effectively under particular environmental conditions.

How do behavioural adaptations help organisms survive?

They allow organisms to respond to environmental conditions in ways that improve survival and reproduction.

Why may organisms from different taxonomic groups show similar anatomical features?

They may experience similar selection pressures and independently evolve similar adaptations to similar environments.

What is convergent evolution?

The independent evolution of similar characteristics in unrelated evolutionary lineages due to similar selection pressures.

Give an example of convergent evolution.

Sharks and dolphins independently evolved streamlined bodies for efficient movement through water.

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Homologous structures share a common evolutionary origin; analogous structures have similar functions but evolved independently.

Why are adaptations specific to an organism's environment?

They provide advantages under particular environmental conditions, but may not be advantageous in different environments.