B 4.1 Adaptation to Environment

What is a habitat?

The geographic location + type of ecosystem where an organism, population, or community lives.

What factors define a habitat?

Abiotic conditions like water, temperature, salinity, light, soil, and nutrients.

What challenges do sand dune plants face?

Low water, high salt, sand accumulation.

Why do sand dune plants have a waxy cuticle?

To reduce transpiration.

Why are stomata in pits?

To retain moisture.

Why do sand dune plants have rolled leaves?

To reduce wind exposure.

What do rhizomes do?

Extend upward if covered by sand.

Why do roots contain fructans?

Increase osmosis in root tissue.

What challenges do mangrove trees face?

Waterlogged, anaerobic soil + high salinity.

Why do mangroves have salt‑excreting glands?

To remove excess salt.

Why are mangrove roots coated in cork?

To prevent salt absorption.

Why do mangrove roots grow near the surface?

To access oxygen.

What are vertical root branches for?

Oxygen absorption.

Why do mangrove roots have high mineral content?

Increase osmosis.

What determines animal distribution?

Water availability + temperature.

What determines plant distribution?

Temperature, water, light, soil pH, salinity, nutrients.

What is range of tolerance

The range of an abiotic factor an organism can survive in.

What tool is used to measure tolerance along a gradient?

A transect.

What depth do coral reefs require?

Less than 50 m.

What pH do coral reefs need?

Above 7.8

What salinity do coral reefs need?

32–42 ppt.

Why must water be clear for coral reefs?

Light penetration for photosynthesis.

What temperature do coral reefs need?

23–29°C.

What is a biome?

A group of similar ecosystems with similar abiotic conditions.

What is convergent evolution?

Different species evolving similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

What determines biome distribution?

Temperature + rainfall.

What plant adaptations does the saguaro cactus have?

Fat stems, spines, waxy cuticle, wide roots, CAM metabolism.

What animal adaptations does the fennec fox have?

Nocturnal behavior, long ears, paw hair, light fur.

What adaptations does the meranti tree have?

Grows >100 m, smooth trunk, pointed leaves, year‑round photosynthesis.

What adaptations does the spider monkey have?

Long limbs, flexible shoulders, long tail, year‑round breeding.