Animal Adaptations Summary Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is adaptation in animals?
A trait or behaviour an animal has to help it survive in its environment.
Adaptations can be physical traits or behavioral changes that enhance survival.
Define ‘trait’ in the context of animal adaptations.
A characteristic which is passed on to offspring from parents, often something that can be seen.
What does ‘behaviour’ refer to in animals?
The way an organism acts.
What does ‘survive’ mean in the context of animal life?
To stay alive, grow and potentially reproduce.
How long can camels survive without water?
For an entire week.
What is the maximum amount of water a camel can drink at once?
120 - 200 litres.
What is the temperature range of a camel’s body?
34 °C to 41.7 °C.
How do camels conserve water?
They do not need to sweat very often.
What anatomical feature helps camels keep their legs from burning on hot sand?
Thick leathery patches on their knees.
What role do the spongy bones in a camel’s nose serve?
They absorb excess moisture to keep every drop of water in.
What is the primary method humans use to cool down?
Sweating.
What is evaporation in the context of cooling?
An endothermic phase change that absorbs energy from the body.
What is the role of intermolecular forces in evaporation?
They need to be broken for water to change from liquid to gas.
Do most animals sweat?
No, most do not.
Which mammals are known to sweat?
Elephants, dogs, cats, apes, bats, sloths, lemurs, horses, beavers.
How do dogs primarily cool themselves?
By sweating between the pads on their paws and panting.
What is the method by which cats cool themselves?
Licking fur to distribute saliva that evaporates.
What is ‘urohydrosis’?
A behavior where birds excrete urine on their legs to cool them by evaporation.
What adaptations do desert animals have to prevent water loss?
They are not heavy sweaters and expel dry air to reabsorb moisture.
What is a behavioral technique some birds use to avoid heat?
Breeding during cool spring and leaving the desert for cooler areas.
What is the term for animals that are active only at dusk and dawn?
Crepuscular.
What is estivation?
A state some animals enter to sleep away the hottest part of summer.
What is the advantage of pale colors in desert animals?
Less heat absorption and reduced water loss.
How do some desert animals retain water?
By burrowing into moist soil or obtaining moisture from food.
