adaptation Flashcards
(20 cards)
why do organisms adapt
-so they are able to exploit their own niche
-ensure their niche is different enough to that of others to avoid competition which could put them at risk
what’s an adaptation
-any variation that helps the organism survive
what are the three adaptation categories
-behavioural
-physiological/biochemical
-anatomical
what are behavioural adaptations
-actions by the organisms which would help them to survive/reproduce
-such as plants turning towards the sun/ animals migrating and hibernating
two types of behavioural adaptation
- innate behaviours
- learned behaviours
what are innate behaviours
-the ability to perform these behaviours is inherited through genes
what are learned behaviours
-either learnt from observation of other organisms/experience
what’s a Physiological/biochemical adaptation
-internal workings within the organism which helps it to survive/reproduce
-ensures the correct functioning of cell processes
what’s an anatomical adaptation
-adaptations which are structures that enhance the survival of an organism
-structures that can be observed/seen when organism is dissected
what is convergent evolution
-when unrelated species begin to share similar traits
what provides evidence for convergent evolution
-anatomical adaptations
why does convergent evolution occur
because species adapt to similar environments and selection pressures
what does convergent evolution mean for two different organisms
-despite separate evolution and being totally unrelated, they may share similar characteristics/look similar
example of convergent evolution
placental mole vs marsupial mole
what’s the similarities between placental mole and marsupial mole
-same characteristics: small eyes, short tail and fur, cylindrical body, large claws on front legs
what’s the differences between placental mole vs marsupial mole
-different characteristics: marsupial have a pouch but placental don’t, marsupial have no ears but placental do
behavioural adaptations of marram grass
-rolls its leaves when little water availability
anatomical adaptations of marram grass
-long roots which are spread out over a wide area
-lower epidermis covered in hairs
-thick waxy cuticle
-lower epidermis is folded to create pits in which stomata are positioned
physiological adaptations of marram grass
-can role leaf due to action of specialised hinge cells in lower epidermis
-leaves contain lignified cells that provide support when turgidity is lost
behavioural adaptations of marram grass
-rolls its leaves when there’s little water available
