Three types of adaptation
Structural, behavioural, physiological.
Structural = features of the body's anatomy.
- Camel: long eyelashes (sandstorm protection), broad feet (don't sink in sand), hump (fat storage).
- Cactus: spines (deter herbivores), thick waxy stem (water storage).
- Penguin: dense feathers + fat layer (insulation), streamlined body (swimming).
Behavioural = what the organism DOES.
- Bird migration in winter to warmer climates.
- Bears hibernate in winter (avoid food shortage).
- Lions hunt in packs (catch larger prey).
- Cacti close their stomata at noon (reduce water loss).
Physiological = internal chemistry / processes.
- Camels can drink ~100 L of water in 10 minutes without harm.
- Penguins have countercurrent blood flow in their feet (saves heat).
- Polar bears have black skin under white fur (absorbs UV through fur).
- Deep-sea fish make their own antifreeze proteins.
| Organism | Structural | Behavioural | Physiological |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camel | Hump, eyelashes | Stand still in shade | Reuse water from urine |
| Cactus | Spines, waxy skin | Stomata close at noon | CAM photosynthesis (night uptake) |
| Polar bear | Thick fur, big paws | Hibernate (females) | Black skin under white fur |
- Structural = body shape.
- Behavioural = actions.
- Physiological = internal chemistry.