Adaptation

A change in a species that helps

it to survive and reproduce in its

environment (habitat)

Adaptations arise from Variations

– slight differences in inherited

traits among individual members

of a species

Habitat - The immediate

space where an animal or

plant lives and has food,

water, and protection

Types of Adaptations

Structural – a physical trait or

feature that is beneficial

Behavioral – a behavior or

action that increases survival

Functional – a biochemical

change that increases survival

Structural Adaptations

changes in physical features like

shape, internal structure, or color

that make an animal more suited

to survive in its environment

Examples:

Webbed feet & fins for swimming

sharp beak & teeth for tearing

flesh

frog & alligator eyes on the top of

head for stalking prey in water

Camouflage - An adaptation in coloration or pattern that allows an organism to blend into its environment

Mimicry – an adaptation in which one species looks like another species

Behavioral Adaptations

changes in behavior like

hibernation, migration, mating

behaviors, and hunting

behaviors that helps

organisms to survive

Examples: A snake playing dead

to fool predators

The bull snake will rattle leaves to mimic a rattle snake

Peacock spider dance to attract mates

Geese flying south for the winter

Functional Adaptations

A biochemical change, such as

hibernating, shedding, or

spitting, that enables a species

to increase survival or maintain

homeostasis

Examples:

A cobra spraying

venom to ward off dangers

Sweating on a hot day

Scent marking to define territory

boundaries

The ability of bears to slow their

metabolism to hibernate

How Adaptations Occur A gene mutates or changes by

accident

If the mutation causes a

variation in the animal that

makes it better adapted to its

environment, then the animal

will be more likely to survive

and pass on that characteristic

Natural Selection

The process by which adaptations

occur

Organisms with variations that

help them survive in their

environment live longer, compete

better, and reproduce more than

those that do not have this

variation

Artificial Selection

Causes adaptations in organisms to occur over a much shorter time span

Humans select for a certain desired trait in organisms in a process called selective breeding