U2T4 - Adaptations Flashcards
What are the 3 types of adaptations that living organisms have? (give e.g.)
Behavioural (Smash through ice to catch prey)
Morphological/physical (White fur)
Physiological/biochemical (Conserve energy by lowering metabolism)
What are plants often required to do In terms of balance?
Balance between increasing SA for gas exchange + detriment of increases in water loss.
Give 2 typical adaptations of hydrophytes.
Stomata on upper leaf surface (stomata not submerged so sufficient gas exchange)
Aerenchyma (aid movement of gas roots - leaves, provide buoyancy for efficient gas exchange)
What are the 3 main factors which can influence the distribution of organisms?
Climatic, edaphic (soil) + biotic.
What are 5 different climatic factors?
Temperature range, availability of water, light intensity, light quality + day length.
Describe how temperature range affects organism distribution.
Temp fluctuation means species are adapted to live within range of temps. Could be seasonal or diurnal. High temp denatures enzymes + low temp turns water into ice inside cells, damaging them.
Describe how water availability affects organism distribution.
Water is essential for life. e.g. hydrophytes + xerophytes
Describe how light intensity affects organism distribution.
More light = increased photosynthesis + growth. Cave dwelling organisms prefer low light intensities.
Describe how light quality affects organism distribution.
Some plants can only use certain light wavelengths. Red seaweeds near low tide mark as red light more readily absorbed by water so blue light penetrates to deeper depths.
Describe how day length affects organism distribution.
Longer day provides more light for photosynthesis + growth.
What are 4 different edaphic factors?
pH values, nutrient availability, water content + soil aeration.
Describe how pH values affect organism distribution.
Most plants prefer neutral pH but some prefer alkaline (limestone/chalk e.g. orchid) Affects availability of certain ions.
Describe how nutrient availability affects organism distribution.
Macronutrients (nitrates/calcium) required by plants in large amounts. Micronutrients required in small amounts but critical to plant nutrition.
Describe how water content affects organism distribution.
Waterlogged soils have low O2 content + some animals favour this environment. Often have reduced nitrate levels/
Describe how soil aeration affects organism distribution.
Peat bogs waterlogged + lack O2. This reduces microbe activity + dead plant matter forms peat bogs.
