Key Terms I
Evolution
the process by which the traits populations of organisms change over time
Camouflage
A mechanism used to animals to blend in to their surroundings, either to disguise themselves from predators or use stealth to hunt prey.
Hiberntion
When an organism enters a state of dormancy to withstand unfavorable environmental conditions.
This type of process happens when certain traits help organisms survive and reproduce, leading to changes in the population over time.
Natural Selection
Cause: Polar bears live in cold, icy habitats with very little plant life.
Effect: Name two adaptations that help them survive.
thick blubber for warmth and white fur for camouflage
Adaptation
a change or trait in an organism that improves its ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Mimicry
A tactic used by animals to disguise themselves as another species for defensive purposes
Migration
The seasonal moving of large populations of species of animals in response to resource availability, climate, and mating opportunities
Over time, giraffes' necks became longer. Why might this be an example of adaptations through natural selection?
Giraffes with longer necks were able to reach food in tall trees, increasing their chance of survival and reproduction
Cause: A new predator, such as a hawk, is introduced into a habitat where brightly colored frogs live.
Effect: What type of adaptation might evolve in the frog population over time, and why?
frogs with more camouflaged, duller colors will be less likely to be spotted and eaten by the hawk. Over time, frogs with duller colors will have higher survival and reproductive success
Physical Adaptation
Physical structures or changes to an organism’s body that have evolved over time to help it survive in its environment.
What is an advantage of an animal being covered in armor?
Protection from predation
Protection from environment
Socialization
Interactions between individuals of the same species.
A drought occurs, and only plants with small, tough seeds remain as a food source. Birds with smaller, weaker beaks struggle to crack open the seeds, while birds with larger, stronger beaks are able to eat them. Predict how the population of birds might change over time.
The population will shift to have more birds with larger, stronger beaks, as they are the only ones that can eat the available seeds.
Cause: A population of insects is exposed to a new pesticide. While most of the insects die, a few survive due to a genetic mutation that makes them resistant to the pesticide.
Effect: What is likely to happen to the insect population if the pesticide continues to be used over the next several generations?
The population will shift to include more pesticide-resistant insects.
Behavioral Adaptation
Actions or responses that animals exhibit in order to increase their chances of survival or reproductive success in their environment.
What's an example we discussed in class of a feeding adaptation?
Vampire bat fangs
Darwin's finch beaks
What is an example of territoriality we discussed?
Vocalizations
Aggression
Scent marking
Visual Displays
An island is home to two types of lizards. One species has short legs, and the other has long legs. After a hurricane, most of the trees on the island are blown down, leaving only small bushes. Which lizard species is more likely to survive, and why?
The lizards with shorter legs are more likely to survive because they are better at climbing and moving through the low bushes, giving them an advantage in finding food and avoiding predators.
Cause: A new invasive plant species spreads rapidly across a forest, taking over the habitat of a small rodent population that relies on native plants for food.
Effect: What might happen to the rodent population over time, and how could they potentially adapt to this change?
The rodent population may decrease if they cannot find enough food. However, some rodents may adapt by developing new feeding behaviors or seeking out other food sources. Over time, those with a greater ability to consume the invasive plant or find new food sources will have a higher survival rate
Fitness
an organism's ability to survive, reproduce, and pass its genes to the next generation in a particular environment.
What is another name for camouflage?
Cryptic Coloration
How might climate change affect animal migration patterns?
Can alter timing and routes of migratory species
A population of peppered moths lives in a forest where most trees have light-colored bark. Over time, pollution from a nearby factory causes the bark of the trees to darken. How might the population of moths change over several generations, and what role does predation play in this process?
moths with darker-colored wings will be better camouflaged on the dark tree bark, making it harder for predators to see them. Lighter-colored moths will be more visible and eaten at higher rates. Over several generations, more dark-colored moths will survive, reproduce, and pass on their dark coloration to their offspring, causing the population to shift toward darker-colored moths.
Cause: A drought causes a major river to shrink, leaving behind small, isolated pools of water in a desert region. The pools are now home to several species of fish, some of which are unable to survive in low-oxygen environments. Effect: How might natural selection shape the fish populations over time, and what traits might become more common?
Fish that are able to tolerate low-oxygen conditions will have a better chance of survival and reproduction