Organisms have features (adaptations) that enable them to survive in the conditions they usually live in.


What are the 3 types of adaptations?

  1. Structural.


  1. Behavioural.


  1. Functional (physiological).

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What are structural adaptations?

The physical features of an organism that help them survive in their environment.

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What are behavioural adaptations?

The behaviours of an organism (i.e., how they act) that help them survive in their environment. 

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What are functional (physiological) adaptations?

The processes that take place within an organism that help them survive in their environment.

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Give 3 examples of structural adaptations.

There are many, but here are a few:


  1. The colour of an organism (e.g. the white fur of a polar bear which provides camouflage).


  1. The shape of an organism (e.g. the long neck of a giraffe which helps it reach tall trees).


  1. Protective body (e.g. the quills of a hedgehog which protect it from predators). 

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Give 3 examples of behavioural adaptations.

There are many, but here are a few:


  1. A squirrel running away from the sound or sight of a dog to avoid harm.


  1. A lizard sitting on a hot rock to warm up.


  1. A spider spinning a web to catch flies. 

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Give 3 examples of functional (physiological) adaptations. 

There are many, but here are a few:


  1. The ability of camels' kidneys to produce concentrated urine to help conserve water.


  1. A venomous snake's ability to produce venom to kill its prey.


  1. The ability of the wood frog to produce antifreeze chemicals so that its cells don't freeze during the winter. 

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What is an extremophile?

An extremophile is a microorganism that lives in an extreme environment, such as those with high temperatures, pressures, or salt concentrations.

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What types of organisms are often extremophiles?

Bacteria and archaea.

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