= AN INHERITED TRAIT THAT INCREASES AN ORGANISM’S ABILITY TO SURVIVE AND/OR REPRODUCE Adaptations

Remember: Variation creates a population with diverse traits. An adaptation is an inherited trait that increases a populations chance for survival and reproduction in a particular environment.

Can be: Structural -  a physical trait that aids an organism in competing for resources or evading predators Behavioral  a behavior that increases an organisms ability to survive or find a mate  Write down 3 examples of each!

STRUCTURAL ADAPTATION EXAMPLES Plants that use pollinators often use the ‘bullseye’ pattern to attract bees, butterflies, etc. This pattern has evolved many times Example: black- eyed Susan, blanket flower

CACTUS PLANTS Cactus plants in the desert have leaves specially designed to:  Store water  Tolerate long periods of dehydration without harm to tissues

Desert Animals Structural Modifications to dissipate heat  long appendages (legs, ears, etc.), or small "bodies" (e.g., whole body, leaves, etc.) that radiate heat.small

California Kingsnake Adaptations to consume its favorite food – Rattlesnakes! Hinged jaw – consume food larger than its own head Tolerance to rattlesnake venom

Dendrobates – or poison dart frogs Some species have skin that is extremely poisonous – even to the touch Bright markings warn predators they are poisonous

Lady Slippers Orchids Petal has evolved into pouch Aroma of orchids makes flies act intoxicated Have so much fun – move to second pouch = pollination!

BEHAVIORAL ADAPTATIONS EXAMPLES

Prairie Dogs Example of a social animal Build huge tunnel ‘town’ to evade heat & escape predators Adaptation to make a range of vocalizations  Bark = warning  Rasp = impending attack  Scream = pain

Blue-footed Boobies Blue feet used in their elaborate mating ritual Male struts around female, raising one foot at time, whistling, bringing sticks as ‘gifts’