Introduction

key concepts
  • Adaptations are characteristics that enable organisms to survive in its particular environment, and can be generally grouped into structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations.

Structural

  • The physical makeup (morphology) of the animal, e.g streamlined shape of dolphins to assist swimming.
  • Other examples:
    • Gills
    • Large leaves to float
    • Waxy leaves to prevent excessive water
    • Exoskeletons

Physiological

  • Typically features that are not visible and are metabolic/body-chemistry related (e.g excretion of concentrated urine to avoid water loss in desert animals or secretion of toxin by plants)
  • Other examples:
    • Efficiently operating kidneys
    • Change in body shape (e.g erection of body spikes/hair)
    • Excretion of uric acid crystals

Behavioural

  • Typically features associated with patterns of activity (e.g being nocturnal to avoid hot weather, or courtship rituals to increase chances of reproduction)
    • Other examples:
      • Hiding in burrows or tree trunks to avoid predators