Section 5 Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is adaption
Adaptation is the act of changing something or changing your behaviour to make it suitable for a new purpose or situation.
Factors which animals have to compete for
resources, territory, and mates
Factors which plants have to compete for
light, water, minerals, and space
Identify and explain the adaptions of different extremophiles
e.g
Large humps on camels to store water and fat
Thick eyelashes to block out sand
Large body to store a lot of water
Identify and explain common key adaptions of predators and prey
Predators have evolved to efficiently hunt and kill, including sharp claws, teeth, and keen vision
prey have adaptations to evade predators, such as camouflage, speed, and defensive mechanisms
Describe how the leaf is adapted to increase the rate of photosynthesis
They are adapted for photosynthesis by having a large surface area, and contain openings, called stomata. They control gas exchange by opening and closing and are involved in loss of water from leaves. Singular is stoma. to allow carbon dioxide into the leaf and oxygen out.
Describe some adaptations for flight
Feathers provide insulation, waterproofing, and a lightweight means to become airborne. Birds have honeycombed or hollow bones, reducing body weight. And instead of weighty jawbones and teeth, birds evolved a light and serviceable beak made of keratin.
Explain how the root hair cell is adapted
Large Surface Area:
Root hair cells have numerous, long, thin extensions (the “hairs”) that increase the surface area significantly. This allows for greater contact with the soil and water, maximizing the absorption of water and mineral ions.
Thin Walls:
The root hair cell walls are thin, allowing for easy passage of water and minerals across the cell membrane without significant resistance.
Mitochondria:
Root hair cells contain a large number of mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell. These organelles are responsible for producing energy (ATP) required for active transport of mineral ions into the cell, even when their concentration is lower outside the cell than inside, says the BBC.
Water Potential:
The cytoplasm of root hair cells has a lower water potential (more solutes) compared to the soil water, driving water movement into the cell through osmosis.
Penetration of Soil Particles:
The long, thin shape of root hair cells allows them to penetrate between soil particles, increasing the area where water and minerals can be absorbed
Recall how water travels in a plant
Water moves through a plant primarily through the xylem, a vascular tissue, using a combination of transpiration, capillary action, and root pressure.
Describe some plant adaptations
Cacti: Cacti have spines to reduce water loss and deter herbivores, and thick, fleshy stems to store water.
Water Lilies: Water lilies have large leaves that float on the water’s surface, maximizing photosynthesis, and strong roots to anchor them in the streambed.
Venus Flytrap: This carnivorous plant has specialized leaves that trap insects to obtain nutrients from nutrient-poor soil.
Lianas (Tropical Rainforest Vines): These vines have roots in the ground but climb trees to reach sunlight in the canopy.
Succulents: Succulents, like cacti, store water in their stems, leaves, or roots to survive in arid conditions.
Xerophytic Plants (Desert Plants): These plants have adaptations like small leaves, waxy surfaces, and tap roots to conserve water in hot, dry environments.
Physiological Adaptations:
Carrion Flowers: These flowers emit a foul odour to attract carrion-feeding insects for pollination.
Arctic Poppy: This plant has a hairy stem to retain heat and a flower that tracks the sun to maximize photosynthesis.
Lichens: These organisms can grow in harsh environments, like cold and windy conditions, and don’t need soil to grow.
Lichen: Lichen can withstand very cold temperatures and survive beneath snow.
Fire-Resistant Plants: Some plants have adapted to withstand fire, such as the sugarbush family (Proteaceae) with fire-resistant seeds
Explain how different beak types can enhance or hinder survival
Beaks adapted to specific food sources:
Birds with beaks that are well-suited to their food sources have a significant advantage. For example, raptors with sharp, hooked beaks are effective at tearing flesh, while seed-eating birds with strong, conical beaks can easily crack tough seed
Recall who published his theory of natural selection
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed and published the theory of evolution by natural selection. They co-published their work in 1858, and Darwin later expanded on it in his 1859 book, “On the Origin of Species
Describe how a process of natural selection leads to adaptations
Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution. Organisms that are more adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on the genes that aided their success. This process causes species to change and diverge over time.
Define sexual selection
Sexual selection is the process by which individuals compete for access to mates and fertilization opportunities
