1. Variation and Adaptation
Standard: S7L5a. Explain that physical characteristics of organisms have changed over successive generations.

2. What is a variation?
An inherited trait that makes an individual different from other members of its species.
Result from permanent changes, or mutations, in an organism’s genes.
NOT BECAUSE ANY ORGANISM NEEDS OR WANTS THE TRAIT

3. What is an adaptation?
Any variation that makes an organism better suited to its environment.
Ex) Camouflage
Allows organisms to adjust to their environment
A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce

4. How are the bears below adapted to survive in their environment?

5. What do you think are some adaptations for animals that live in the desert?

6. How do variations and adaptation relate to evolution?
All of the variations of individuals gradually over a long period of time can change the entire population of the species, if the variation increases the individuals ability to survive.
This is known as natural selection.

8. Real Life Examples of Adaptations and Variations
Peppered Moths of Manchester, England
Before the industrial revolution, the trunks of the trees were light gray, and the majority of the moths that lived in the trees were white.
However, pollution from the growth of industry lead to the tree trunks to become a darker color, and over a period of 45 years, the majority of the moths living in the trees were now a darker color.

9. Summary: Explain why the pepper moth population may have changed colors? Can they change color because the need to? Explain.

10. Lets look at some examples of adaptations

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15. References