Adaptations
Year 8 ๐ฟ Ecology & Evolution How organisms are adapted to their environments.
๐ช Types of Adaptation
Adaptations are inherited features that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its environment.
| Type | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Structural | Physical features of body shape or form | Thick fur (polar bear), streamlined body (fish), spines instead of leaves (cacti) |
| Physiological | Internal biochemical processes | Camel can tolerate high body temperature; desert animals produce concentrated urine |
| Behavioural | Inherited patterns of behaviour | Migration (swallows), hibernation (hedgehogs), nocturnal activity |
Behavioural adaptations must be inherited, not learned. A dog learning to fetch is NOT a behavioural adaptation.
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Interactive Demo โ Adaptations
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Adaptation Analyser