Slide 1

Adaptations

All organisms (living things) carry out the seven life functions MRS GRENThe way each animal and plant does these things is different depending on where they live their habitatFor example: MovementA snake doesnt move in the same way as a cheetah

ReproductionA tree doesnt reproduce in the same way as a fish

NutritionA kiwi gets its food differently to an eagle

These features that help an organism survive and reproduce are called adaptations

What is an adaptation?Adaptations are features that an organism (living thing) has that help it to survive and reproduce in the environment that it lives in. There are three types of adaptation:Structural adaptation a part of an organism that helps it carry out a life functionPhysiological adaptation a process inside an organism that helps it to surviveBehavioural adaptation some activity that an animal does to help it survive AdaptationsAdaptations are features that an organism (living thing) has that help it to survive and reproduce in the environment that it lives in. There are three types of adaptation:Structural adaptation a part of an organism that helps it carry out a life functionPhysiological adaptation a chemical or process inside an organism that helps it to surviveBehavioural adaptation some activity that an animal does to help it survive

Structural AdaptationsA structural adaptation involves part of an organisms body e.g. Dogs and sharks have sharp teeth for eating other animals (cutting, ripping, shredding)

Physiological Adaptations A physiological adaptation involves processes occurring inside organisms e.g. Snakes and spiders create venom that they can use to help them catch prey to eat.

Physiological AdaptationsGum tree leaves produce toxins (poisons) that stop grazing animals like possums from eating them

Behavioural AdaptationsAn activity that an organism (living thing) does to help it survive e.g. Fish school up so that they are less likely to get eaten.

Behavioural AdaptationsAnimals such as sheep and antelope live in flocks or herds so that they are less likely to get eaten

Prairie dogs keep a lookout at all times to watch for predators

Behavioural AdaptationsKiwi feed at night (nocturnal) because there are more insects and worms around for them to eatCats hunt at night because it is easier for them to catch their prey

Structural vs Behavioural AdaptationsSmall fish living in a school - BehaviouralBirds migrating north in winter - BehaviouralDucks have webbed feet - StructuralCactus has needles for protection - StructuralSharp claws on a bear - StructuralLong roots on a tree in a dessert that go deep in to the soil - Structural

Adaptations for PhotosynthesisLeaves have external and internal features which help them carry out photosynthesis. These features are called adaptations

Flat and wide to capture maximum sunlightThin to allow maximum light penetrationVeins transport water to and sugars from the leavesGreen colour is from the chlorophyllPores in the leaf let carbon dioxide and oxygen to move in and out of the leafWaxy surface limits water loss AdaptationsAdaptations affect the survival of the organism

How it takes its food and oxygenHow it produces offspring

Organisms that survive pass along their traits to the next generation (natural selection)

Other organisms that do not have traits suitable to the environment may not survive or reproduce

Plant AdaptationsPlant StructureFunction of structureVeins in leafTransport water and sugarStomata on leaf surfaceControl entry and exit of gasLeafCarry out photosynthesisRoot systemAnchor plant and transport water and minerals