Adaptation and Biome
Task 1:
Think of an example of an animal of plant that is only found in our biome (temperate deciduous forest). Think about the predator, prey and living environment of this organism. What makes this organism well suited to its environment?
What does adaptation mean?
When we think about grasslands, the image of a lion may come to mind. In a desert we may find camels and cactus. In the cold north pole, a polar bear might come to mind. Certain animals and plants are found in specific regions of the Earth because they are well adapted to survival in that region.
Adaptations then are defined as the characteristics that allow an organism to survive and reproduce.
Adaptations then are defined as the characteristics that allow an organism to survive and reproduce.
Let's take a look at three types of adaptions.
Structural adaptation:
A physical characteristic of the organism's body that has a specific function and that contributes to its survival. For example, pine trees have thin needles that prevents the accumulation of snow in the winter. Moth has a variety of colours and patterns that allow them to camouflage in the environment that they are in.
Physiological adaptation:
A physical or chemical event that occurs in the body of the organism that allows for better survival. For example, crocodiles rely on the sun and its warmth to provide energy. Thus they can conserve their energy in long periods of inactivity. Cactus are adapted to require a smaller amount of water than other plants, therefore allowing for a greater chance of survival in a desert environment.
Behavioural adaptation:
What an animal does to increase its rate of survival. This may include how an organism feeds, mates, cares for its young, migrates, hibernates, or burrows to escape predators. For example, bats hunt at night to avoid its predators.
A physical characteristic of the organism's body that has a specific function and that contributes to its survival. For example, pine trees have thin needles that prevents the accumulation of snow in the winter. Moth has a variety of colours and patterns that allow them to camouflage in the environment that they are in.
Physiological adaptation:
A physical or chemical event that occurs in the body of the organism that allows for better survival. For example, crocodiles rely on the sun and its warmth to provide energy. Thus they can conserve their energy in long periods of inactivity. Cactus are adapted to require a smaller amount of water than other plants, therefore allowing for a greater chance of survival in a desert environment.
Behavioural adaptation:
What an animal does to increase its rate of survival. This may include how an organism feeds, mates, cares for its young, migrates, hibernates, or burrows to escape predators. For example, bats hunt at night to avoid its predators.
Task 2:
Now it's your turn to look up an example of an organism adaptation any where in the world. You don't need to limit yourself to our local region. You will need to find an image or video clip of your chosen organism and explain in one paragraph why this organism is well adapted to its environment. In your paragraph, identify which of the three types of adaption it can be categorized under.
Here are a few more websites to get you started on your search.
- Start your search at http://www.bcscience.com/bc10
- Find an image or video clip of this organism
- Wirte one paragraph on why this organism is well adapted to its environment. Categorize the adaptation to one of the three types (structural, physiological and behavioural) where possible.
Here are a few more websites to get you started on your search.
- Marmot http://marmots.org/
- Hunting Spider http://www.cbc.ca/quirks/media/2007-2008/mp3/qq-2008-02-16_03.mp3
- Brood Parasites http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/vexhibit/eggs/vexhome/broodpar.htm
- Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly http://www.cbif.gc.ca/spp_pages/butterflies/species/CanadianTigerSwallowtail_e.php