In this presentation you will: Biological Adaptations In this presentation you will: investigate how internal structures of organisms have adaptations that allow specific functions Next >

Introduction The environment is always changing. Organisms must be able to adapt (change) if they are to survive and successfully reproduce in the new environmental conditions. Next >

Skeleton To allow some organisms to survive better in their environment, their internal structures have become adapted. For example, some birds have adapted to have hollow or porous bones. This makes their skeleton lighter, and makes it easier for them to fly. Hollow bird bone Next >

Skeleton Some hummingbirds have adapted to have an extra pair of ribs. Regular Bird Hummingbird These support the muscle bulk required for their style of flight. Next >

Breathing Fish must extract oxygen from water in order to survive. They have developed gills to allow them to ‘breathe’ underwater. Carbon Dioxide Oxygen Water is taken into the mouth and passed over the gills, which exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide. The water is then fed out of the slits. Next >

Feeding Plants use photosynthesis to produce the food they need to survive, but animals cannot do this. Animals need to eat plants or other animals to get enough nutrients to survive. Their internal structure has adapted to allow for this process. Next >

Feeding 1 3 4 2 Cattle have adapted to have four stomach sections that process vegetation (grass) very efficiently. Next >

Feeding Crocodiles, on the other hand, have adapted and have stomachs containing very strong acid. The acid can dissolve the bones of the animals they swallow! Next >

Reproduction For the continuation of a species, animals and plants need to reproduce. Female hummingbirds have adapted to only have one ovary at maturity. This still allows reproduction, but it saves weight, which helps them fly! Next >

Plants It is not just animals that have adapted internal structures for specific functions. Plants have too. Consider the structure that most plants use to transport water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. xylem Cross section of plant stem This structure is called xylem. Next >

Plants Many submerged plants have adapted so they do not use xylem. This is because their leaves absorb the nutrients they need from the surrounding water. Next >

Plants The saguaro cactus has adapted to its hot and dry environment, to have a spongy inside layer. This helps distribute water around the plant. spongy layer Next >

Question 1 'Adaptation is essential for a species to survive in a changing environment' Is this statement true or false? Answer True or False. Next >

Question 1 'Adaptation is essential for a species to survive in a changing environment' Is this statement true or false? Answer True or False. True Next >

Question 2 Which of the following is NOT an internal structural adaptation of an organism? A) Hummingbird oversized breast bone – supporting large wing muscles B) Elongated organs in snakes – fits body shape C) Antifreeze glycoprotein in the blood of Antarctic tooth fish – stops freezing D) Skin used as wings by bats – allows them to fly Next >

Question 2 Which of the following is NOT an internal structural adaptation of an organism? A) Hummingbird oversized breast bone – supporting large wing muscles B) Elongated organs in snakes – fits body shape C) Antifreeze glycoprotein in the blood of Antarctic tooth fish – stops freezing D) Skin used as wings by bats – allows them to fly Next >

Summary In this presentation you have seen: how internal structures of organisms have adaptations that allow specific functions End >