Do you guys still remember Animal Adaptions in I/GCSE Biology?

• In I/GCSE Biology, To survive and grow need to adapt to environment (temp/water)
• COLD = animals need to reduce head loss. Thick fur insulates from cold air
• Extra fat gives increase insulation and gives animal energy when food is scarce
• Summer = animals moult/shed fur – easier to lose heat
• Seals – thick layer of fat – heat loss in water

• Little water + hot at day, cold at night
• Small animals – live in burrows (temperature more constant) don’t need to drink water (get from food)
• In I/GCSE Biology, Kidneys excrete urine – very little water
• Large animals e.g. camels tolerate high levels of dehydration

• In I/GCSE Biology, Birds + mammals of similar species = larger + heavier in colder climates
• There’s a correlation between body mass and average annual temperature
• Temperature of larger animal will drop less rapidly
• Limbs, tails and ears are longer in warmer climates – act as heat-radiating organs

Large animal = large surface area BUT small surface area to volume ratio

• For organism to grow, mature, produce offspring = avoid being eaten by other microorganisms
• In I/GCSE Biology, Special adaptations – avoid being eaten
  • Physical deterrents e.g. cacti = thick spines
  • Chemical deterrents e.g. ragwort (plant) = poisons (taste bad or kill)
  • Advertise poisons with bright colours
  • Camouflage – hide from predators (colours + patterns on body = difficult to see)

• In I/GCSE Biology, Enough resources for all organisms = rare
• Limited resources = organisms compete – most successful = grow better + more offspring produced
• Plants compete for = water, light, nutrients (if grown close together)
• Bluebells = grow, flower + seed before tree fully grown (no sun blocked)
• Animals – compete for food
• Leopards – takes kill to trees (keeps other animals away from stealing their food)
• Animals – compete for mates
• Male peacocks display feathers when females around – best display = mate with the most females
• Birds = territories when breeding
• Robins = large territory to feed young
• Birds away from nest site e.g. penguins / gannets = small nesting territory (out of pecking distance of other adults)

That's all~

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