ADAPTATIONS & BIOMIMICRY

Question 1

Define the term adaptation

Answer 1

adaptation is the biological mechanism by which organisms adjust to new environments or to changes in their current environment

Question 2

what adaptations for aquatic environments

Answer 2

• Their body is streamlined and hence, they can swim easily.
• They have gills as the respiratory organs.
• They have fins

Question 3

what adaptations for snowy environments

Answer 3

• a white appearance - as camouflage from prey on the snow and ice.
• thick layers of fat and fur - for insulation against the cold.
• a small surface area to volume ratio - to minimise heat loss.
• a greasy coat that sheds water after swimming - to help reduce heat loss

Question 4

what adaptations for grassland environments

Answer 4

• a white appearance - as camouflage from prey on the snow and ice.
• thick layers of fat and fur - for insulation against the cold.
• a small surface area to volume ratio - to minimise heat - loss.
• a greasy coat that sheds water after swimming - to help reduce heat loss

Question 5

what adaptations for forest environments

Answer 5

• Animals in deciduous forests have to adapt to changing seasons. They must be able to cope with cold winters and hot summers. Some animals hibernate or migrate during the winter to escape the cold. Others grow thick fur and/or layers of fat to help make it through the winter months
• tails to hand from trees

Question 6

what are the different adaptations

Answer 6

physiological, behavioural, structural

Question 7

what are physiological adaptations

Answer 7

a body process that helps an organism to survive/reproduce. (eg, temperature regulation, the release of toxins or poisons, releasing antifreeze proteins to avoid freezing in cold environments)

Question 8

what are behavioural adaptations

Answer 8

responses made by an organism that help it to survive/reproduce. (eg. hibernation, migration, and instincts. Example: Birds fly south in the winter because they can find more food)

Question 9

what are structural adaptations

Answer 9

a feature of an organism’s body that helps it to survive/reproduce.(eg. Plants called succulents have adapted to this climate by storing water in their short, thick stems and leaves)

Question 10

define the term biomimicry

Answer 10

the design and production of materials, structures, and systems that are inspired by natural structures/processes

Question 11

real-world examples of biomimicry

Answer 11

Bullet-train inspired by beak of a kingfisher bird, and needles inspired by mosquitoes

Question 12

innate versus learned behaviours

Answer 12

Innate behaviour is behaviour that’s genetically hardwired in an organism and can be performed in response to a cue without prior experience (eg Web making in spiders)