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B1b
adaptation and competition
11
Biology
10th Grade
02/10/2009

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Cards

Term
What do we mean by an adaptation?
Definition
An adaptation is a specific feature that an organism has to allow it to survive better in its environment
Term
What does compete mean?
Definition
To fight for limited resources
Term
What do all living things compete for?
Definition
Food, territory and a mate
Term
What else do plants compete for?
Definition
Water and light
Term
How is an Arctic fox adapted to the cold?
Definition
It has thick fur to trap air (a good insulator), it has a thick layer of fat, it has small ears and a compact body to prevent heat loss, it is camouflaged in the snow
Term
How is the Fennec (desert) fox adapted to the heat?
Definition
It has a large body and ears (i.e. big surface area) to lose heat easily, it was a thin layer of fur and fat
Term
How do spines rather than leaves help a cactus survive in the heat? Give two reasons.
Definition
The lower surface area of spines compared to leaves helps prevent water loss. Spines stop predators eating them.
Term
Why do plants in cold climates grow close to the ground? Give two reasons.
Definition
The dark Arctic soil is warmed by the Sun and so it is warmer closer to the ground. It is often windy and so taller plants would be blown over and broken.
Term
How is a camel adapted to living in the desert?
Definition
It has fat stored in its hump, it doesn't have other fat below its skin, it has long legs to keep it above the hot ground, it has padded feet so stop it sinking into the sand and to stop its feet getting burned, it can drink very quickly, it has long eyelashes to stop sand getting in its eyes
Term
Why are some animals very brightly coloured?
Definition
This is a warning sign to potential predators to warn them that they are poisonous
Term
What is mimicry and why is it an important adaptation of some animals?
Definition
Mimicry is when an animal has a body pattern very similar to that of a different, poisonous or dangerous animal.
This is an advantage to the mimic as predators may believe it is the harmful animal and so avoid it.
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