Unit 7 Objective C ECOLOGY

Traits Traits are genetic characteristics that occur in a species. Traits are developed as an animal adapts to its environment.

Types of Traits Color Camouflage Food gathering (beaks and claws) Hair Sensory abilities Behaviors

Variations VARIATIONS: means that there are changes in the genes among the same species. For example, humans have different hair, eye or skin color. Sometimes these changes provide an advantage to an organisms survival.

Adaptations Any genetic characteristic or trait that helps an organism survive in its environment. Examples: How do the traits of the animals listed below help them survive? The giraffe’s neck. The skunks smell. The Lions color and claws The Polar Bear coat, color, claws Shark – sense of smell Hunting Dogs ears

Natural Selection Species in a particular environment that are better adapted to living conditions there, are more likely to survive. “SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST!” These species will then begin to produce offspring with these traits.

Evolution A gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form.

Grasshopper Lab On a blank sheet of paper: Name & Hour Purpose Statement: The purpose of this activity is to determine…. Hypothesis: If… Then… Conclusion (after the lab) One paragraph explaining the results gathered during the experiment. Also be sure to include whether the data supports your hypothesis and explain why.

Conclusion Discuss the results What happened and when (generation 1,2,3) Use specific numbers Did the data support your hypothesis or not? WHY did the data show what it showed? Use terms like TRAIT, VARIATION, ADAPTATION, NATURAL SELECTION

Vocab Trait Adaptation Inherited characteristic Inherited characteristic that increases chances for SURVIVAL

Natural Selection Critical Factors Competition Reproduction Variation Struggle for survival Reproduction Produce more offspring than can survive Some will not survive – Survival of the Fittest Variation Different inherited traits Some will increase overall FITNESS Survival of the Fittest