Ecology (Adaptations) Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is a structural adaptation?
Features related to physical structures- shale, colour etc.
What is a behavioural adaptation?
Features related to short or long-term behaviours- migration, basking, tool use etc
What is a physiological/ functional adaptation?
Features related to processes- usually internal, cellular processes.
Structural adaptation in plants, 2 examples
One example is the formation of spines, which are found on many species, such as cacti and roses, and can stop a plant being eaten by grazing animals. Another example of structural adaptions include plants with wide-ranging, shallow roots to absorb lots of water after rain.
Structural adaptation in animlas, 2 examples
Animals have a wide range of structural adaptations including sharp claws to catch prey. Predators and prey often have similar adaptations. Both are likely to have good vision and hearing. Prey often has eyes on the sides of their heads to easily spot predators. Predators often have their eyes on the front of their heads to judge distance to their prey.
Behaviour adaptations in plants (2 examples)
An example being the flytrap itself is a structural adaptation and the closing of the trap to catch an insect is a behavioural adaptation. Also all plant shoots grow quickly towards the light to maximise photosynthesis. Growth towards the light and other tropisms ensure that plants can respond to changes in their environment.
Behaviour adaptations in animals (2 examples)
Behavioural adaptations include mating rituals, like a male peacock bird showing his tail feathers to attract a female mate. They can also include working together in packs like wolves to hunt prey.
Physiological/ Functional adaptations in plants (2 examples)
An example of this is the formation of poisons for defence. The nettle plant stings a victim when it brushes the tiny needles on its leaves, which contain poison. Other plants, like deadly nightshade, are extremely poisonous they can kill if consumed by humans.
Physiological/ Functional adaptations in animals (1 example)
The production of venom is an example of this. Many predators such as snakes and spiders produce venom both to defend themselves and kill their prey.
Define the term
extremophile
Extremophiles are organsims that can live where no body else can, and thrive when things get tough.
Give two examples of adaptations found in different extremophiles
Some extremophiles live at very high temperatures. Bacteria known as thermophiles can survive at temperatures of over 45 °C and often up to 80°C or higher. These extremophiles have specially adapted enzymes that do not denature at these high temperatures. Other bacteria and archaea live at very low temperatures, down to -15°C. They are found in ice packs and glaciers around the world.
