What is an adaptation?

Adaptation- A trait that helps an organism survive. Examples of Adaptations: gills, camouflage, shells, hissing, scent, hibernation, migration Examples of things are NOT adaptations: athletic ability, learning to hunt, getting lucky

Physical Adaptation- A body part that helps an organism survive. Examples of physical adaptations: body size, claws, shells, gills, camouflage, venom, white fur

Behavioral Adaptation: A behavior that an organism does that helps it survive. Examples of Behavioral Adaptations: hissing, fighting, mark territory, hibernation, migration, climbing

Summary: Condition Physical Adaptations Behavioral Adaptations Cold weather Hot weather Catching Prey Avoiding Predators Attracting Mates

Summary: Condition Physical Adaptations Behavioral Adaptations Cold weather Blubber, thick fur, short limbs, stocky body, white Migration, hibernation, sleeping underground, sleeping in groups Hot weather Long, thin body parts, store water, light colored Sweating, Nocturnal, migration, stay in shade Catching Prey Claws, sharp teeth, fingers, fast, strong, night vision, Sitting still, hiding, hunting in groups, Avoiding Predators Camouflage, size, fast, horns, spikes, venom, wings, webbed flocking, herding, hiding, Attracting Mates bright colors, large size, fancy body parts, Scents, mating calls, dances,

Population A group of organisms that reproduce together. Wolf population = all the packs in a Habitat OR All of the packs in an Ecosystem OR all of the packs in a country OR all the packs in the World.

Species A population of organism with similar traits that will reproduce in the wild. Grey wolf – unique species Coyote – unique species Red wolf - ? Species or hybrid

Variation Differences in traits between individuals of the same species within a population What causes variation in living things? Differences in genes

Mutation A change in a gene that creates a new trait in offspring. Where do mutations happen in a living thing so they can be passed on to offspring? In the reproductive organs of the parent

Fit or Fitness: An organism that survives and reproduces. Which is most fit? Super strong rhino or Mouse with 30 offspring.

Natural Selection: Unique traits help an organism survive and it passes those traits to its offspring. Offspring are born with adaptations. Not all offspring have exactly the same traits as others because of variation and mutation. Some adaptations do not help offspring survive long enough to reproduce. Organisms that do not reproduce do not pass on their adaptations. The organism’s parents have more organisms with traits that helps them survive.

Artificial Selection People choose traits to pass on in an organisms. Breeding Wolf  __disposition_  __tame____  _wild_______ Wild horse  __athletic ability_  ______fast______  _____slow _____

Natural Selection Simulation https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/natural-selection