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Adaptations
ADAPTATIONS are the special features that allow organisms, including MICROORGANISMS, to survive in their unique environmental CONDITIONS.
There are THREE types of ADAPTATIONS:
1. STRUCTURAL ADAPTATIONS:
These involve PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES of an organism, such as body shape and color, which aid in survival.
For example:
- POLAR BEARS have WHITE FUR for CAMOUFLAGE against SNOW.
- CACTI have SPINES instead of leaves to reduce WATER LOSS due to TRANSPIRATION in hot climates.
- CAMELS have a thin layer of FAT and a large SURFACE AREA TO VOLUME RATIO to dissipate heat in hot environments.
- WHALES possess a thick layer of BLUBBER and a low SURFACE AREA TO VOLUME RATIO for heat retention.
2. BEHAVIOURAL ADAPTATIONS:
These are ACTIONS organisms take to survive.
For instance:
- Many BIRDS MIGRATE to warmer regions during winter to escape cold conditions.
- Animals like bears HIBERNATE to conserve energy when food is scarce.
3. FUNCTIONAL ADAPTATIONS:
These are internal process adaptations related to an organism’s BODILY FUNCTIONS, such as metabolism and reproduction.
For example:
- DESERT ANIMALS conserve water by producing very LITTLE SWEAT and CONCENTRATED URINE.
EXTREMOPHILES
Some BACTERIA are known as EXTREMOPHILES and have adapted to live in extreme conditions.
Examples include:
- Bacteria living in VOLCANIC VENTS can survive in very HIGH TEMPERATURES.
- Bacteria living in DEEP SEA VENTS can survive in very HIGH PRESSURE.
- Bacteria living in SALINE LAKES can survive in very HIGH SALT CONCENTRATIONS.
Adaptations
ADAPTATIONS are the special features that allow organisms, including MICROORGANISMS, to survive in their unique environmental CONDITIONS.
There are THREE types of ADAPTATIONS:
1. STRUCTURAL ADAPTATIONS:
These involve PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES of an organism, such as body shape and color, which aid in survival.
For example:
- POLAR BEARS have WHITE FUR for CAMOUFLAGE against SNOW.
- CACTI have SPINES instead of leaves to reduce WATER LOSS due to TRANSPIRATION in hot climates.
- CAMELS have a thin layer of FAT and a large SURFACE AREA TO VOLUME RATIO to dissipate heat in hot environments.
- WHALES possess a thick layer of BLUBBER and a low SURFACE AREA TO VOLUME RATIO for heat retention.
2. BEHAVIOURAL ADAPTATIONS:
These are ACTIONS organisms take to survive.
For instance:
- Many BIRDS MIGRATE to warmer regions during winter to escape cold conditions.
- Animals like bears HIBERNATE to conserve energy when food is scarce.
3. FUNCTIONAL ADAPTATIONS:
These are internal process adaptations related to an organism’s BODILY FUNCTIONS, such as metabolism and reproduction.
For example:
- DESERT ANIMALS conserve water by producing very LITTLE SWEAT and CONCENTRATED URINE.
EXTREMOPHILES
Some BACTERIA are known as EXTREMOPHILES and have adapted to live in extreme conditions.
Examples include:
- Bacteria living in VOLCANIC VENTS can survive in very HIGH TEMPERATURES.
- Bacteria living in DEEP SEA VENTS can survive in very HIGH PRESSURE.
- Bacteria living in SALINE LAKES can survive in very HIGH SALT CONCENTRATIONS.
