adaptations and biomes
DESCRIPTION
Adaptations and Biomes. Obj. 3a, 3e, & 3h. Adaptations to an Environment. Every organism has a variety of adaptations that are suited to its specific living conditions An adaptation is a trait that an organism has inherited that helps it survive and reproduce in their habitat - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Adaptations to an EnvironmentEvery organism has a variety of adaptations that are
suited to its specific living conditions An adaptation is a trait that an organism has
inherited that helps it survive and reproduce in their habitat Ex. Sharks sense of smell, shape of a bird’s beak, dogs can
hear well, flowers have bright colors Physical adaptations do not develop during one
lifetime, but over many generations Genes that help determine survival are passed from parent
to offspring
Adaptations Over TimeNatural selection is the process by which
individuals who are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than other members of the same species.
Charles Darwin/Finches Galapagos Islands Charles Darwin- English scientist who
proposed the theory of natural selection in 1859. Sailed on the Beagle to South America for
research Studied tortoises, finches, lizards, and other
animals on the islands.
Animals of Galapagos IslandsFinches- beaks are adapted for different
feeding behaviors Ex: insects, seeds, fruit
Iguanas- able to dive underwater to eat algae, sharp claws to cling to rocks, expel salt by sneezing
Tortoises- shell shape depends on island environment
Causes for Adaptations Among Species:
Inheriting traits/variations that have advantages for survival or reproduction
Overpopulation/competitionEnvironment/Climate
VariationsVariations are different ways that a trait can
express itselfSome variations make individuals better fit
for survival from predators allowing them to reproduce and pass the favorable trait to their offspringEx. Variations among turtles make some
of them better able to survive. Turtles that survive to become adults will be able to reproduce.
Natural Selection by EnvironmentVariations can also allow organisms to
become better adapted to survive in a particular climate.
Organisms expressing traits that allow them to survive & reproduce in a particular environment will become the dominant life within the environment.
Example of inherited traits for survival & reproduction
Camouflage Snake
Mimicry Mexican Milk Snake
Bright colors/poisonous Skunk and Poison Arrow
Frog “Hair” projections
Hedgehog quills Deer Antlers
Courtship behaviors Male birds dance & have
colors to attract mates
Endangered/ExtinctionsOrganisms that are not able to adapt to
their environment could become endangered or extinct.
Threatened- could become endangered in near future
Endangered- at risk of extinctionExtinct- a species with no surviving
members
Reasons for Extinctions Pollution Overhunting Habitat loss Introduced species- compete with native
species Diseases Climate change- global warming
BiomesBiomes are Large geographic areas characterized by
a distinct climate and specific types of plant & animal life.
Climate is the weather a place has over a long period of time (50 years).
Biotic and Abiotic Factors Biotic factors- parts of the environment that
are living Examples: trees, grass, animals
Abiotic factors- the nonliving environment Examples: rocks, soil, air, water
Taiga/Boreal Forest BiomesWinters are cold and very snowySummers are warm and rainy enough to melt all the
snow Dominant plants adapt with needle-shaped leaves to
reduce water loss by having less surface area Ex. evergreens
Animal have adapted by camouflage, hibernating or migrating, & thick fur
Rain Forest Biomes Wet, warm biomes that contain the greatest variety of life
on earth Plant & animal life adapts in a variety of ways
Camouflage Poisonous Mimicry
Desert Biomes Receive less than 25 cm of rain per year.
Hottest temperature on Earth The plants have many adaptations for getting and
conserving water. (deep roots, needles) Some animals have adapted by being nocturnal, burrowing
under ground, & being hairless