Module 4: Adaptations

Question 1

What are adaptations?

Answer 1

inherited characteristics that enhance and organisms ability to survive and reproduce in its specific environment

Question 2

What are the 3 types of adaptations?
Describe each

Answer 2

anatomical-physical structures , either internal or external
behavioural- activities and responses
physiological-internal biological functions

Question 3

Give 4 examples of anatomical adaptations

Answer 3

body coverings such as fur/feathers/scales- protect an organism and support their survival

camouflage-allows organisms to be less easily detected

mimcry-they imitate the appearance of more dangerous species for protection

teeth-shape are adapted to diet

Question 4

Give 3 examples of innate behavioural adaptations

Answer 4

defensive responses-such as playing dead or freezing to avoid detection from predators

courtship displays-such as dancing to attract mates

seasonal actions-such as migration to allow food resource availability year-round , also hibernation to conserve energy when food is scarce

Question 5

Give 3 examples of physiological adaptations

Answer 5

venom-used by snakes to immobilise prey and by plants to deter herbivores

antibiotics-produced by bacteria to out-compete rival species

water storage-eg frogs can survive a whole year without a water source by storing it in their bodies

Question 6

What are analogous structures?

Answer 6

features in different species that share similar functions but have evolved independently

Question 7

Convergent evolution occurs when …

Answer 7

unrelated species develop similar traits as they adapt to similar environmental challenges and selection pressures