Adaptations

and Biomes

What are Adaptations?

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

Ex. Sharks sense of smell, shape of a bird’s beak, dogs

can hear well, flowers have bright colors

Physical Adaptations

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 Time

Natural 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 Islands

Finches- 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

What Causes Adaptations Among

Species?

Inheriting traits/variations that

have advantages for survival or

reproduction

Overpopulation/competition

Environment/Climate

What Are Variations?

Variations are different ways that a trait can express itself

Some variations make individuals better fit for survival from predators allowing them to reproduce and pass the favorable trait to their offspring

Ex. 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 Environment Variations 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

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

How Do Organisms Become

Endangered or Extinct?

Organisms 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 extinction

Extinct- 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

Biomes Biomes 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).

Taiga/Boreal Forest Biomes Winters are cold and very snowy

Summers 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