Adaptations of organisms Flashcards
What is an ecological niche?
This describes each organisms role within the ecosystem
4 examples of what is involved in an ecological niche:
What it feeds on/ nutrient requirements
What feeds on it
Competition with other organisms
Its temperature, water and other requirements
What are the 3 different adaptations organisms have a combination of?
Behavioural
Physiological
Morphological
Why do desert animals use burrows?
Exposed to little or no sunlight - cooling strategies - water is conserved as they are not sweating, panting etc.
Why do desert animals use shady micro-habitats?
Reduce overall exposure to high light and temperature levels
Why do desert animals excrete on the feet or legs?
Evaporates off the legs/ feet and cools the organism
Why do desert animals often follow nocturnal activity?
Reduces the amount of exposure to light and heat extremes
Name 3 other physiological and behavioural adaptations that desert animals follow/ have:
Migration
Tongue fluttering
Altering body positions
Why is it important for desert animals to have sufficient kidneys?
shunt water from waste products resulting in water conservation
Name 3 morphological adaptations of desert animals:
Colouration
Enlarged appendages
Insulation
Why is colouration an important morphological adaptation for desert animals?
Lighter coloured coats will reflect more light reducing the temperature
Darker coloured coats absorb more light increasing temperature
What is meant by xerophytes?
Plants/ animals that live in dry places
What is meant by hydrophytes?
Water plants or animals
What are some edaphic (soil) factors that should be considered?
pH values
Nutrient availability
Water content
Soil aeration
Why are pH values an important edaphic factor?
most plants thrive at a neutral pH
some species are adapted to live under acidic or alkaline conditions
