Adaptations and Biomes

Adaptations and BiomesObj. 3a, 3e, & 3h

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

How many traits can you find that are

adaptations to this environment?

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

Finch Beaks

Animals of Galapagos Islands

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.

Variations

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

Examples of Extinct Species

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

Biotic and Abiotic Factors Identify

three biotic and three abiotic factors in this picture.

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

Aquatic Biomes Adaptations