7.1.4 Adaptations

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Adaptations are features or behaviours that allow organisms to survive and thrive in their specific environments. These adaptations can be categorised into three main types:

Structural Adaptations

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DEFINITION: Physical features of an organism's body that help it survive.

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EXAMPLES

Sharp teeth in carnivores: Used to tear meat apart, making feeding more efficient.
Camouflage: The tan/brown coat of a lioness helps her blend into the savannah, making it easier to approach prey without being detected.
Insulation: Species in cold environments, like polar bears, have a thick layer of fat (blubber) and dense fur to retain heat and protect against the cold.

Behavioural Adaptations

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DEFINITION: Actions or behaviours that organisms perform to survive.

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EXAMPLES

Playing dead: Some animals, like opossums, play dead to avoid predators.
Basking in the sun: Reptiles, such as lizards, bask in the sun to absorb heat and regulate their body temperature.
Courtship rituals: Many animals, like peacocks, perform elaborate displays to attract mates.

Functional Adaptations

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DEFINITION: Internal processes that help organisms survive, often related to metabolism and reproduction.

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EXAMPLES

Delayed implantation of embryos: Some species, like kangaroos, can delay the development of embryos until environmental conditions are favourable.
Water conservation: Desert animals, such as camels, conserve water by producing very concentrated urine and minimizing sweat.

Extremophiles

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DEFINITION: Organisms that live in environments with extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, high pressures, or high salt concentrations.

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EXAMPLES

Bacteria living in deep-sea hydrothermal vents thrive under extreme pressure and temperature conditions that would be lethal to most other forms of life.

Examples of Adaptations for Specific Environments

Cold Climates:

Smaller surface area to volume ratio: Reduces heat loss by minimizing the surface area exposed to the cold.
Insulation: Thick layers of blubber or dense fur help retain body heat.

Dry Climates:

Kidney adaptations: Efficient kidneys that produce highly concentrated urine to conserve water.
Behavioural adaptations: Activity is often restricted to cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, to avoid the intense midday heat.
Large surface area to volume ratio: Some desert animals have large ears or other adaptations that help dissipate heat.

Plant Adaptations:

Curled leaves: Reduce water loss by minimizing the surface area exposed to the sun and wind.
Extensive root systems: Allow plants to absorb as much water as possible from deep or spread-out sources.
Waxy cuticle: A thick, waxy layer on leaves reduces water evaporation.
Water storage: Succulent plants, like cacti, store water in their stems to use during dry periods.

Adaptations Simplified Revision Notes for GCSE AQA Biology

7.1.4 Adaptations

Extremophiles

Examples of Adaptations for Specific Environments

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