adaptations

• structural adaptation are adaptations of body structure or shape
• what are the 3 major adaptations?


  • behavioural
  • functional
  • structural
• fat is a thermal insulator, this reduces water from sweat
• some adaptations in dry/hot climates:

  • nocturnal
  • very high surface area to volume ratio to lose as much heat through radiation as possible
  • long eyelashes
  • wide feet
• some adaptations in cold climates:


  • low surface area to preserve body heat
  • thick layer of fat and/or fur to insulate body
  • very small ears to preserve body heat
• plant adaptations in dry climates:


  • less leaves to prevent water loss - less transpiration
  • leaves have a smaller surface area
  • fleshy leaves with waxy cuticles to prevent water loss
  • spines to prevent animals from eating
  • able to store water in stems and roots
• some organisms are adapted to live in very extreme conditions called extremophiles
• extremophiles can live in very high concentrations of salt like bacteria