Page 52 - CB1.3 Genetic Varation sciPAD

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52 CB 1.3 GENETIC VARIATION
GENETICS OF POPULATIONS
Adaptations
Adaptations are the features (both physical and behavioural) that organisms have evolved to
be successful in their environment. The adaptations of an organism allow it to survive, thrive and
successfully reproduce in its habitat.
Adaptations arise over many generations through the process of natural selection. Organisms
with advantageous traits that enable them to survive and reproduce in their environment are
more likely to pass those traits on to their offspring. Over time, this can lead to the development of
entirely new species that are better suited to their environment.
There are three types of adaptations:
•
Structural adaptations are how the organism’s body functions or looks on the outside. Body
parts (like feet and ears) and body coverings (like fur and scales) are structural adaptations.
•
Behavioural adaptations are how an organism acts. This includes actions like hibernating,
forming herds, migrating and communicating.
•
Physiological adaptations are how the animal’s body functions on the inside. This includes
changes in the cells, chemicals and processes inside an animal’s body.
Adaptations of the North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli)
A long beak with nostrils located at the
tip, allow them to smell their prey even
while their beak is underground.
Kiwi are primarily active at night (nocturnal) when
many of their predators are less active. At night, the
invertebrates they eat move closer to the soil surface.
Whiskers at the base of their beak
aid in nocturnal navigation.
Kiwi use their powerful legs and claws to move
quickly through dense forest undergrowth.
Large, flat feet support a large body mass.
Kiwi are monogamous
and form long-term pair
bonds. They share parental
responsibilities, taking turns
incubating the eggs and
caring for the chicks. An
adult can sit on an egg for
several days, sustained by its
fat reserves .
The kiwi’s feathers are highly specialised, with
a soft, hair-like texture that provides excellent
insulation helping the bird retain body heat.
1. Define the term ‘adaptation’. 


2. Outline how adaptations arise. 


3. Suggest what could happen if an animal was placed in a habitat it is not adapted to.


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