Adaptations

• What are adaptations in organisms?

  Characteristics that increase chances of survival and reproduction
• What are the different types of adaptations?

  • Behavioural
  • Physiological/biochemical
  • Anatomical/structural
• What is an example of a physiological adaptation?

  Fungal production of antibiotics
• What is an example of an anatomical adaptation?

  Body coverings such as feathers or fur
• What is an example of a behavioural adaptation?

  Courtship rituals
• What is an example of a physiological adaptation related to hibernation?

  Changes in metabolism
• How do plants behave to conserve water?

  They close stomata to reduce water loss
• What do some plants do at night regarding their stomata?

  They only open stomata at night
• How do Saguaro cacti conserve water?

  They fold and tighten or expand their ridges
• What are some anatomical adaptations of plants to reduce water loss?

  • Widely dispersed, long or deep roots
  • Fleshy stem and leaves to store water
  • Very thick waxy cuticles
  • Reduced leaf surface area
  • Curled, folded, or hairy leaves
• What is convergent evolution?

  When unrelated species evolve to share similar traits
• How have whales and fish adapted to similar niches?

  They have evolved similar features
• What is a key difference between marsupials and placental mammals?

  Marsupials nourish the fetus in a pouch, placental mammals in the uterus
• What is an example of convergent evolution in moles?

  Marsupial and placental moles have similar features
• What are some adaptations of moles for burrowing?

  • Burrow through soft substrate
  • Streamlined body shape
  • Forelimbs modified for digging
  • Velvety hair to aid movement
  • Small or non-existent eyes
  • No external ears